A STUDENT died just hours after doctors sent her home from hospital with constipation.
Annabel Greenhalgh was taken to the emergency room by her parents after complaining of abdominal pain.
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Doctors said the 11-year-old girl was constipated and was discharged on the night of October 13, 2022.
The following morning, her father Craig found her unresponsive at their home in Warwick and called 999.
Despite attempts to resuscitate her, Annabel was pronounced dead at the scene.
Between 2017 and 2021, she had several episodes of severe abdominal pain and required hospital treatment on several occasions.
An inquest into the death of the popular student will begin on June 14 at Coventry Coroners’ Court.
Before the hearing, her heartbroken parents, Craig and Josie, spoke about the “hole” Annabel’s death left in their lives.
Josie, 45, said: “Annabel was an amazing child and loved by everyone who knew her.
“She was kind, phenomenally bright, creative, fun and always inclusive of everyone.
“She loved her music, her fashion, her art, her friends and her beloved cat Reuben.
“She was our greatest gift and brought so much love, joy and happiness into our lives.
“Since we lost her, many of our days have been filled with anguish, emptiness and sadness.”
Annabel had just started at Alcester Grammar School before her tragic death and was described as “very well-liked” by teachers and pupils.
Her parents hope the inquest will answer crucial questions about the treatment she received before she died.
Since we lost Annabel, there has been a hole in our lives
Craig
Craig said: “When we were told we could take Annabel home from hospital we trusted there was nothing serious going on.
“Waking up the next morning and finding her unresponsive was absolutely devastating and something we still struggle to understand.
“Every day since then, we have asked ourselves if more could have been done to save our daughter.
“She was our only child and we still have many unanswered questions about what happened to her.
“We know that hearing everything again at the inquest will be incredibly difficult, but it is something we need to do to honor our daughter and get the answers we have been searching for over 18 months.
“Since we lost Annabel there has been a hole in our lives and we wouldn’t wish what we’ve suffered on anyone.
“She had just started high school and had her whole life ahead of her. Words cannot truly express how much we miss her.”
‘UNANSWERED QUESTIONS’
Craig and Josie instructed Irwin Mitchell medical negligence lawyers to investigate the tragedy.
The family’s lawyer, Emma Rush, said: “Josie and Craig understandably remain devastated to have lost their daughter so suddenly and tragically.
“They also continue to have a number of questions about what happened to her.
“While nothing can bring Annabel back, the inquest is an important milestone in being able to provide her family with the answers they deserve.
“If, during the inquiry, any issues are identified with the care provided to Annabel, it is vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety.”
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When to take your child to the emergency room
You know your child best. And if something seems urgently wrong with them, you should trust your instinct and take them to the emergency room.
But as a general rule, the NHS advises seeking urgent medical care – either by calling 999 or taking your child to A&E – if they have the following:
- Seizures (tremors or spasms due to a seizure or falling unconscious)
- Choking (with liquids or solids)
- Difficulty breathing (grunting or sucking the stomach under the rib cage)
- Unable to stay awake (cannot keep eyes open for more than a few seconds)
- Blue, gray, pale or mottled skin, tongue or lips (on brown or black skin this may appear as gray or blue palms or soles)
- Floppy and floppy (head falls to the side, back or forward)
- Heavy bleeding (spraying, spilling, or enough to form a puddle)
- Serious injuries (after a serious accident or assault)
- Signs of stroke (face drooping to one side, unable to keep both arms raised, difficulty speaking)
- Rapid, sudden swelling (of the lips, mouth, throat, or tongue)
- Sudden confusion (agitation, strange behavior, or non-stop crying)
Source: National Health Service
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