Ten-day-old baby girl died from sepsis after bungled biopsy was carried out without her parents’ consent

A 10-day-old girl died of sepsis after a faulty biopsy was carried out without her parents’ permission, an inquest heard.

Willow Rose Courtney-Thompson was born prematurely at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford on October 12 last year.

He underwent a suction rectal biopsy on October 21 to rule out the rare intestinal condition Hirschsprung disease.

Paramedics carried out this procedure without the permission of Willow’s parents, Joseph, 28, and Lauren, 27.

Ms Courtney-Thompson claimed staff at the hospital ‘came into action while I was on the phone to my GP for a while’.

Just ten hours after the procedure, Willow was sent home but was in very poor condition and unable to feed.

He was found unresponsive at home the next day and his family called 999.

The woman, who was taken to the hospital, died of E.Coli sepsis as a result of the biopsy.

Willow’s heartbroken parents Joseph and Lauren Courtney-Thompson, of Brackley, Northamptonshire, say they hope lessons will be learned to prevent another tragedy

Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court heard a catalog of paramedic errors that contributed to Willow’s death.

The court heard the biopsy was carried out in a treatment room that lacked privacy and dignity and was subject to frequent interruptions.

Willow did not receive the usual pre-procedure antibiotics designed to prevent infection. Instead he later received two doses.

The investigation concluded that Willow could have survived if she had remained in hospital for observation for 24 hours after the biopsy.

The coroner said mild signs of sepsis may have been detected and treated earlier.

The inquest was also told there was confusion between surgeons and neonatal teams after Willow’s biopsy.

The surgical team expected Willow to be monitored overnight, but the neonatal team discharged her because they believed she could go home.

His parents, from Brackley, Northamptonshire, say they hope lessons will be learned to prevent another tragedy.

Ms Courtney-Thompson said: ‘The pain and suffering we wake up to every day of Willow’s death is as strong now as it was when she passed away.

‘Our pain was compounded by the fact that there were so many questions about whether more could have been done to help him.

‘The investigation and reliving what happened was particularly distressing, but it was the least we could do to get answers and honor the memory of our beautiful daughter.

‘The hardest thing to try and come to terms with is how Willow’s death occurred following a biopsy that we were not adequately informed about.

‘We were not warned of, and did not consent to, any risks associated with the biopsy, including potential infection.

‘The staff continued while I took a phone call from my doctor for a while.’

In a touching tribute to her daughter, Mrs Courtney-Thompson added: ‘Willow was a spoiled, sassy but content little girl.

The investigation concluded that Willow would have survived if she had remained in hospital for observation for 24 hours after the biopsy.

He was very sweet and never fussed.

Even though ‘Willow’ only had a lifespan of ten days, she still managed to touch the hearts of many people around us.

‘Willow will always be a part of our family.

‘We were and still are in awe of our little girl who is sorely missed by our entire family.

‘We hope that by speaking out we can help improve the care of others to ensure no one else has to endure the situation our family has.’

Following Willow’s death, the couple instructed medical negligence solicitors Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust admitted breach of duty by failing to provide Willow with appropriate antibiotics before and after the biopsy.

He also agreed that Willow should not have been sent home the same day as the procedure.

The foundation also acknowledged that it failed to follow a formal approval process.

Sara Burns, the couple’s lawyer, said: ‘Willow’s loved ones continue to be devastated by her death and the extremely tragic nature of it.

‘Understandably, Willow had a number of questions and concerns about the care she received until her death.

‘Whilst we are pleased to be able to get the answers Joseph and Lauren deserve, the investigation and legal allegations have revealed worrying issues in Willow’s care.

‘The effects of sepsis can be devastating; Early diagnosis and treatment are key to overcoming the condition.

‘It is therefore vital that lessons are learned from Willow’s tragic death to ensure the patient safety of others.’

Professor Andrew Brent, Chief Medical Officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: ‘What happened to baby Willow was incredibly tragic and nothing I say can ease the pain I know Willow’s parents and family will feel.

‘There were critical deficiencies in Willow’s care and we couldn’t get it right; I’m really sorry about this.

‘Together with my Trust colleagues, I have taken time to investigate and reflect on what happened.

‘We have ensured that important lessons have been learned about the care we provide to Willow and have made changes to our clinical practice to do everything possible to prevent this from happening again. But I know it doesn’t change what happened.

‘Once again, on behalf of the Trust, I offer my deepest and unreserved apologies to Willow’s parents and family for the poor care we provided to baby Willow.’