A SCHOOLGIRL, 11, died after four doctors “missed her appendicitis”, an inquest has heard.
Lacey Brookman’s appendix is believed to have burst before her initial GP appointment, but her condition wasn’t diagnosed for another two weeks.
The young girl, pictured above, underwent surgery at King’s College Hospital to remove her appendix.
But Lacey sadly died after suffering multi-organ failure due to complications on June 4, 2021.
She displayed appendicitis symptoms that make up only “one-third of acute” cases, the inquest heard.
The Year 6 pupil was dismissed by four doctors at her GP surgery and in the hospital.
It wasn’t until Lacey was given an ultrasound test, that she received her diagnosis.
The senior coroner for London Inner South, Doctor Julian Morris, has now issued a Prevention of Future Deaths Report.
Dr Morris said in his report there is a lack of “knowledge and awareness” around diagnosing appendicitis.
He warned there should be more ultrasound scan tests available, particularly out of hours.
Lacey, from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, first complained of abdominal pain in April 2021.
Her other symptoms included nausea, vomiting and constipation.
The 11-year-old’s mum made an appointment with their GP after 10 days, which was held over the phone, and were told Lacey had a virus.
Unsatisfied by this response, they went to a second GP three days later, who then referred Lacey to the hospital with suspected appendicitis.
However, the schoolgirl was dismissed by three doctors at the hospital, who failed to diagnose her, the inquest heard.
It was only when a consultant ordered an ultrasound, medical professionals discovered Lacey’s appendix had burst.
The inquest heard that it is believed the young girl’s appendix had actually burst before their first GP appointment.
Lacey was rushed onto to a specialist paediatric unit to remove her appendix.
But tragically complications following surgery meant she needed further operations.
Lacey died at King’s College Hospital after suffering multi-organ failure on June 4, 2021.
Dr Morris said Lacey’s condition, acute retrocaecal appendicitis, is not recognised enough.
At the conclusion of the inquest, he said: “I do not consider there is sufficient knowledge and awareness and therefore consideration from junior staff in relation to this particular type of presentation of acute appendicitis.
“In addition, the importance of carrying out an abdominal ultrasound was highlighted.
“The evidence was that this could only be provided by the on-call radiologist, which therefore restricted its availability and assistance in making the diagnosis.
“During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern.
“In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.
“Neither the original GP, the reviewing surgical SHO or surgical registrar considered that Lacey had appendicitis.
“The Consultant surgeon reviewing Lacey on the 24, considered she was ill but could not reach a diagnosis.”
The report has been sent to the Royal College of GPs, the Royal College of Paediatricians, the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Radiologists.
They were given a deadline to respond which ends today.
A GoFundMe has been set up in tribute to Lacey and described her as having a “lovely smile, calm nature and kind heart”.
Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of appendicitis.
The classic signs of appendicitis include abdominal pain that moves to the lower right hand side.
This discomfort is usually gradual in onset and progressively worsens.
Nausea, and vomiting are also associated with the condition.
But symptoms can vary depending on where the appendix in located.
In patients with a retrocecal appendix, the condition Lacey was diagnosed with, a dull ache is often described.
Classic symptoms often do not appear in young children, pregnant women and in the elderly.
This can make the diagnosis is particularly easy to miss in these age groups.
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Appendicitis symptoms
Source; NHS
Appendicitis typically starts with a pain in the middle of your tummy (abdomen) that may come and go.
Within hours, the pain travels to your lower right-hand side, where the appendix is usually located, and becomes constant and severe.
Pressing on this area, coughing, or walking may all make the pain worse.
If you have appendicitis, you may also have other symptoms, including:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- being sick
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- a high temperature (fever) and a flushed face
When to get help
If you’re experiencing abdominal pain that’s gradually getting worse, contact your GP or local out-of-hours service immediately.
If these options aren’t available, phone NHS 24 111 Service for advice.
Appendicitis can easily be confused with something else, such as:
- gastroenteritis
- severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- constipation
- bladder or urine infections
- Crohn’s disease
- pelvic infection
In young women, these symptoms can sometimes have a gynaecological cause, such as an ectopic pregnancy or menstrual pain.
However, any condition that causes constant stomach pain requires urgent medical attention.
You should phone 999 for an ambulance if you get a pain that suddenly becomes worse and spreads across your abdomen.
If the appendix bursts, it can cause peritonitis, a potentially serious infection of the inner lining of the abdomen.
