The family of a five-year-old girl who died from meningitis just hours after being sent home from A&E has received compensation from the hospital. Lila Marsland was found unresponsive in bed by her mum on the morning of December 28, 2023, about eight hours after being discharged from Tameside Hospital with suspected tonsillitis.
Lila had been sent home with antibiotics and a throat spray for tonsillitis, despite showing "strong signs of meningitis" during her time in the hospital's A&E. An inquest concluded that Lila died from pneumococcal meningitis and streptococcal pneumonia, and a jury determined in June last year that her death was "contributed to by neglect".
Trust admits failings
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Tameside Hospital, has since admitted failings in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of Lila's bacterial meningitis. The Trust accepted that those failings materially contributed to her death and has paid undisclosed compensation to the family.
Following legal submissions, the Trust admitted that Lila had meningitis by the time she was assessed on the Children's Observation and Assessment Unit. It also admitted there was a failure to adequately assess her and a failure to diagnose and treat her bacterial meningitis. The Trust further accepted that Lila should have remained in hospital and been started on intravenous antibiotics.
Family's tribute and charity
Lila's mum, Rachael Mincherton, said: "Losing Lila is something we'll never come to terms with. She was the most amazing and adorable little girl. She was kind, caring and full of life. She loved dancing, cheerleading and spending time with family and friends. Everybody who met her adored her."
She added: "We'd urge parents to make themselves aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and to trust their instincts if they feel something isn't right. However, medical staff also need to be aware of the dangers of meningitis and ensure patients receive the best care possible."
The settlement comes after the family established Lila's Light, a charity supporting siblings who have lost a brother or sister through bereavement support packs and other projects. So far, the family and well-wishers have raised £33,000.
Legal and trust response
Jack Bookey, the expert medical negligence solicitor at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, said: "Rachael, Darren and the rest of their family remain devastated by Lila's death and continue to live with the consequences of losing her every day."
A Trust spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News: "We'd like to reiterate our statement following the inquest. It is clear from the independent investigation that there were missed opportunities in Lila's care. We accept the coroner's findings and apologise unreservedly. As a trust we have made and will continue to make improvements to ensure we learn from this case."
