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Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Girl, 12, dies after doctors mistook fatal tumour for 'tummy bug'
Jackie Dunlop has urged parents to "trust their gut" after losing her daughter Ava Nelson from a condition which GPs initially dismissed as something minor A mum is urging parents to trust their instincts after her daughter's tummy bug turned out to be an inoperable brain tumour. Jackie Dunlop from North Ayrshire became concerned when her daughter Ava Nelson, then aged 10, suffered with severe headaches and sickness for three weeks. Following visits to the GP and her local hospital, the young girl was a viral infection or a gastric bug. However, after the fourth week of Ava feeling unwell, Jackie pushed for more testing and what followed shocked the 38-year-old to the core. An MRI revealed a pressure of Ava's brain, caused by a large mass, and she was rushed up to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. She had to have an emergency operation to relieve the pressure and a biopsy a week later revealed Ava had a high-grade glioblastoma. The family were told she had just six to 12 months to live, but Ava outlived that prediction and passed away nearly two years later in April 2024, aged 12. Now Jackie, from Kilwinning, who previously worked as a carer, is telling parents not to ignore their own suspicions regarding their child's health. She said: "We thought it was a sickness bug. But going into week three I started to worry. Everyone put it down to a viral sickness bug. Four weeks I had been fighting with doctors. The surgeon told us if we didn't fight she'd have been dead within a week because the pressure was that bad." She continued: "I always say to any mother go with your gut instinct if you feel that something is wrong with your child. If you feel something is wrong then go get them checked. If you aren't getting anywhere stand your ground and make sure you get the help and support you need until you have the right answers. Mothers know their child best." Ava began experiencing headaches, dizziness, and balance issues in May 2022. Despite numerous GP appointments and hospital visits, her symptoms were dismissed as just a viral illness, reports Glasgow Live. Growing concerned about her daughter's health, Jackie refused to accept this and persevered for further medical attention at Crosshouse Hospital's children's ward. Jackie recounted: "To look at her you wouldn't know anything was wrong. They agreed to do blood tests – Ava then started vomiting. She started declining but the blood tests came back fine. I pushed for a scan." The persistence paid off when an MRI scan showed a brain tumour. Ava was rushed to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow on May 31, 2022. Jackie said: "They told us Ava has severe pressure on her brain. They found a tumour. The pressure was caused by the tumour." Ava underwent emergency surgery the following day; however, doctors couldn't fully remove the tumour due to its location. The biopsy results returned on June 8, 2022, confirming Ava's diagnosis with cancer. Jackie revealed: "The hardest part for me was that wasn't going to survive. They gave us six to 12 months." Ava bravely endured 12 weeks of simultaneous radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which resulted in her needing a feeding tube after the treatment caused a rupture in her stomach. Her parents, Jackie and Roland, made the heart-wrenching decision not to disclose Ava's terminal prognosis, choosing instead to create cherished memories. Jackie shared: "We were trying to normalise life." The family dedicated themselves to ensuring their beloved "wee warrior" had as many joyous moments as possible, despite their own sorrow. Jackie said: "As a family we did everything in our willpower to make sure that the time we had left with our wee warrior was full of fun filled memories as much as it was killing us inside." In spring 2023, Ava was admitted to Robin House Children's Hospice, where she fought for another year before passing away on April 16, 2024, with her loving parents and sisters, aged nine and 17, by her side. Jackie recalled: "They moved her into the rainbow room. It was the most peaceful room." Jackie now aims to inspire other parents to trust their instincts about their children's health. She added: "Ava was quiet as a mouse. She was quite shy and timid. But she was sweet and loving. She was the best."
Daily Record
25-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Inside Scots 'teddy hospital' putting sick kids at ease before treatment
The hospital ensures children have a gentle start to their medical journey. A Scots 'teddy hospital ' is aiming to transform the experience for young people and their families. Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) is ensuring children have a gentle start to their medical journey. In doing so, it is making sure one of the first places families visit is the beloved teddy hospital. This unique space helps patients prepare for medical procedures through play. Here, they can explore medical equipment, hear the sounds of an MRI machine, and learn what it means to be 'put to sleep' for surgery, all in a calm, friendly environment. This approach is especially helpful for children with autism or other neurodiverse conditions, making the hospital feel less intimidating. The teddy hospital is a cornerstone of the RHC experience and is gaining national attention for its innovative approach. Elsewhere, in the theatres department, each anaesthetic room is themed with different animals, and colourful artwork, based on real stories from patients and families, guides children through their journey. The team is also exploring new ways to use lighting and sound to help children feel even more at ease, particularly those with sensory sensitivities. The outpatient department is another area where creativity and care come together with plans currently underway to introduce new sensory and immersive technologies to better support neurodiverse patients, ensuring that every child receives care tailored to their needs. The final stop on Professor Gardner's visit was the hospital's very own Medicinema —a fully equipped cinema where children can watch the latest films in a fun, inclusive setting. Whether attending as an outpatient or staying in the hospital, children can enjoy movie screenings with their families, sometimes even celebrating birthdays or meeting their favourite football players. This special space, created in partnership with the Medicinema charity, brings joy and a sense of normalcy to children facing serious health challenges. The hospital wants families to know that they're stepping into a place where your child's emotional wellbeing is just as important as their physical health.
Edinburgh Live
16-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Death of young Edinburgh patient who suffered fatal cardiac arrest to be probed
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A heartbroken family are blaming both an Edinburgh and Glasgow hospital for 'negligence' following the death of a ten-year-old girl. Maggie Canning, 40, is claiming negligence by staff at Edinburgh's Royal Hospital for Children and Young People as well as Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children. Her daughter was sent home a day before suffering a fatal cardiac arrest. It comes after her daughter Helen, 10, spent time in both hospitals receiving treatment for Rett Syndrome - a rare genetic neurological and development disorder which affects the way the brain develops and causes a progressive loss and motor skills and language. Helen died on March 29 after her heartbroken mum gave permission for her life support to be switched off. The death is now being probed by the procurator fiscal, reports the Record. Helen could only say the occasional word and couldn't talk. On March 13 she underwent surgery in Edinburgh to straighten her spine and pelvis after developing scoliosis. According to her aunt, Jane Hillhouse, 42, they were told if it didn't go ahead her organs could suffer. Afterwards, Helen was in pain and vomiting a black mucus. (Image: Daily Record) Jane said: "The wean was in agony but a few days after her surgery she was being put into her wheelchair. "It felt like they were torturing her. Maggie was trying to calm her down but was told to leave her. She brought her home on March 21. "There was talk of keeping her in hospital because she was bringing up her milk but Rett's children do that a lot." For the next two days Helen seemed "perfect" but on March 24 began to bring up black mucus again. Jane and Maggie, from the east end of Glasgow, took her to A&E at the Royal Hospital for Children. One medic wanted to keep her in overnight, but she was sent home by another doctor at 2am. Jane said: "She was still bringing up black mucus but we were told she just had a virus." The next day was "a blur". Jane said: "When we went into her room, her lips were blue. She was really white and not responding. We thought it was a seizure but then realised she wasn't breathing. "We dialled 999. They told us to get her out her chair and start CPR. I did it until the ambulance crews arrived. "They managed to get her heart beating again then took her to hospital. The police came because it was a child and drove Maggie and I to hospital. "We were told Helen had a cardiac arrest. We heard staff say she had aspirated. We think the black mucus must have got into her lungs. She was transferred to intensive care and they said call family members. They didn't know if she would get through the night." Close family came to say goodbye but the machines kept Helen alive for another 72 hours. Jane said: "Every time Maggie looked at Helen her heart would break. She had pains in her heart." On March 29, Maggie gave her permission to turn off the machines. Jane said: "Maggie was lying on the bed, kissing and cuddling her and I was holding her wee hands. She just passed away in her mammy's arms." The post-mortem said she died from a cardiac arrest but investigations are ongoing. Samples of mucus and the contents of her lungs are being examined and police have seized hospital records. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages A letter from the procurator fiscal told Maggie they were awaiting more information from the post-mortem, which could take a few months. Jane said: "We were told A&E staff felt terrible but if they gave a toss when we were there they wouldn't have sent her home and we wouldn't be here now. We blame both of the hospitals for Helen's death. "Before the scoliosis operation she was healthy. Then she was sent home from the sick kids hospital in Glasgow when there was clearly something wrong. She had a rare illness and just had a scoliosis operation. How many red flags do you need? We are angry. "Maggie is lost without her. We just don't want this to happen to anyone else's weans." Morag Gardner, of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "We send our deepest condolences to the family of Helen Canning. This case is being taken forward as a Significant Adverse Event Report (SAER). The family will be fully involved in this review." Dr Edward Doyle, deputy medical director, NHS Lothian, said: "We are unable to comment on individual cases without consent but express our sincere condolences to the family."
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Probe into death of little girl sent home from hospital day before fatal cardiac arrest
Helen Canning, 10, tragically died in March after her mum gave permission for her life support to be switched off. The death of a little girl sent home from hospital a day before a fatal cardiac arrest is being probed by the procurator fiscal. Helen Canning, 10, died on March 29 after her heartbroken mum Maggie, 40, gave permission for her life support to be switched off. Her family said it has been 'a living hell' and believe her death was caused by negligent treatment at Scotland's two biggest children's hospitals – Edinburgh's Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Glasgow's Royal Hospital for Children. At age three, Helen was diagnosed with Rett syndrome – a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder which affects the way the brain develops and causes a progressive loss of motor skills and language. Helen could only say the occasional word and couldn't walk. Swallowing was also an issue and she developed a scoliosis in her spine. On March 13, she had surgery in Edinburgh to straighten her spine and pelvis. Her aunt, Jane Hillhouse, 42, said: 'We were told if it didn't go ahead her organs could suffer.' Afterwards, Helen was in pain and vomiting a black mucus. Jane said: 'The wean was in agony but a few days after her surgery she was being put into her wheelchair. 'It felt like they were torturing her. Maggie was trying to calm her down but was told to leave her. She brought her home on March 21. There was talk of keeping her in hospital because she was bringing up her milk but Rett's children do that a lot.' For the next two days Helen seemed 'perfect' but on March 24 began to bring up black mucus again. Jane and Maggie, who lives in the east end of Glasgow, took Helen to A&E at the RHC. One medic wanted to keep her in overnight, but she was sent home by another doctor at 2am. Jane said: 'She was still bringing up black mucus but we were told she just had a virus.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The next day was 'a blur'. Jane said: 'When we went into her room, her lips were blue. She was really white and not responding. We thought it was a seizure but then realised she wasn't breathing. 'We dialled 999. They told us to get her out her chair and start CPR. I did it until the ambulance crews arrived. 'They managed to get her heart beating again then took her to hospital. The police came because it was a child and drove Maggie and I to hospital. 'We were told Helen had a cardiac arrest. We heard staff say she had aspirated. We think the black mucus must have got into her lungs. She was transferred to intensive care and they said call family members. They didn't know if she would get through the night.' Close family came to say goodbye but the machines kept Helen alive for another 72 hours. Jane said: 'Every time Maggie looked at Helen her heart would break. She had pains in her heart.' On March 29, Maggie gave her permission to turn off the machines. Jane said: 'Maggie was lying on the bed, kissing and cuddling her and I was holding her wee hands. She just passed away in her mammy's arms.' The post-mortem said she died from a cardiac arrest but investigations are ongoing. Samples of mucus and the contents of her lungs are being examined and police have seized hospital records. A letter from the procurator fiscal told Maggie they were awaiting more information from the post-mortem, which could take a few months. Jane said: 'We were told A&E staff felt terrible but if they gave a toss when we were there they wouldn't have sent her home and we wouldn't be here now. We blame both of the hospitals for Helen's death. 'Before the scoliosis operation she was healthy. Then she was sent home from the sick kids hospital in Glasgow when there was clearly something wrong. She had a rare illness and just had a scoliosis operation. How many red flags do you need? We are angry. 'Maggie is lost without her. We just don't want this to happen to anyone else's weans.' Morag Gardner, of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: 'We send our deepest condolences to the family of Helen Canning. This case is being taken forward as a Significant Adverse Event Report (SAER). The family will be fully involved in this review.' Dr Edward Doyle, deputy medical director, NHS Lothian, said: 'We are unable to comment on individual cases without consent but express our sincere condolences to the family.'
The Independent
21-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Final hospitals inquiry report and recommendations expected at end of 2026
The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry's final report is expected to be issued at the end of next year after calls for further evidence. The inquiry has been examining the design and construction of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow and the Royal Hospital for Children, which are on the same campus. It was launched in the wake of deaths linked to infections, including that of 10-year-old Milly Main. The inquiry is also examining the design and construction of the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences in Edinburgh. The four-part hearings on the Glasgow hospitals began in 2021 in front of chairman Lord Brodie, and are expected to finish in January 2026. The last evidential hearings are expected in three parts – between May and October 2025 – with a final oral closing hearing in January. They will hear more expert evidence relating to the cause of infections at the Glasgow hospitals at the request of some core participants. The first hearings in 2021 heard evidence about the physical, emotional, and other impacts on patients and families connected with the hospitals. Hearings in 2023 heard from clinicians and those directly involved with patients. In November 2024, the third sessions concluded, having heard evidence examining the extent that non-compliance with relevant regulations and guidance led to ventilation and water contamination issues. It also explored the actions taken to resolve these issues after the handover in 2015 and the extent of their effectiveness. Glasgow IV will be the final session of oral hearings, with a revised schedule issued while evidence is analysed. A spokesperson for the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry said: 'In recent weeks a number of core participants have requested the inquiry consider more expert evidence relating to the cause of infections at the Glasgow hospitals. 'This, and Lady Wise's decision relating NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's additional expert report, has resulted in a revised inquiry schedule. 'The inquiry team is gathering the additional evidence requested, carrying out analysis and considering its evidential value. 'Glasgow IV hearings will now be split into three parts between May and October this year. A final oral closing hearing will take place in January 2026. 'As a result of accommodating the requests from core participants, and integrating the evidence into the investigative process, Lord Brodie's final report and recommendations are expected to be published at the end of 2026.'
