A woman from Swindon has criticised NHS 111 after her sister was told to take paracetamol for symptoms that turned out to be bacterial meningitis, leaving her comatose. Nicky Hillier, 50, initially believed she had a cold in early March 2026 and cancelled plans. Five days later, her condition worsened, and she struggled to get out of bed, suspecting Covid-19.
Severe Symptoms Dismissed
On March 18, after five days of fever and failed attempts to secure a GP appointment, she contacted NHS 111. She reported excessive sweating, requiring pyjama changes every two hours, a severe headache, vomiting, and inability to leave bed. The operator allegedly advised her to take paracetamol. Hours later, her neighbour noticed her curtains still drawn on March 19 and, with her ex-husband, found her unconscious on the floor, barely breathing.
Emergency Hospitalisation
Rushed to hospital, Nicky was placed on life support. Doctors confirmed streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis, which had spread from her spinal cord to her brain. She was in a coma for two days, emerging on March 21, but now faces deafness, Bell's palsy, and mobility and communication challenges. Her sister Amanda Hall described the ordeal as the worst experience of her life, saying they were told to prepare for the worst.
Family's Anger and Warning
Amanda urged others to reject similar advice if severely ill: 'If you've been as ill as my sister for that many days and 111 tells you to get paracetamol, throw that advice in the bin.' She noted that Nicky's condition changed rapidly, and she should have been seen by a doctor. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Nicky, who is now unable to work.
NHS Response
A spokesperson for Practice Plus Group, which runs the local NHS 111 service, expressed regret and invited the family to raise concerns directly for a review of the call under strict quality governance procedures. The family claims doctors believe the meningitis strain differs from a recent Kent outbreak.
