Mum watches little boy die after doctors misdiagnose meningitis

Theresa McDonnell, 41, of Gipton, Leeds, took her son Tyler to Bellbrooke Surgery in the city after he developed symptoms of shaking, a high temperature and a bad cough.

Doctors diagnosed him with a viral infection and sent him home where his condition got worse as the week progressed.

Ms McDonnell took her son back to the surgery a week later on October 31, where she was told he had a chest infection.

She said: “The doctor listened to his heartbeat and looked in his ears and that was all.

“Tyler was complaining about pains in his head and neck but the doctor said that was common for chest infections.”

The boy was prescribed antibiotics which Ms McDonnell collected before lying her son on the sofa.

But when she came to give him his medicine she discovered his heart had stopped beating.

Tyler was rushed to hospital where he was diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis.

Doctors battled to save his life for two days but he died on the Wednesday.

Ms McDonnell, who has seven other children, said: “The staff at the hospital tried everything they could but I know he had gone on the Monday.

“I’m just so devastated and angry. I watched my little boy die before my eyes.

“The doctors should have caught this. This is a mistake that has seen me lose my son.”

Leeds South and East CCG, which oversees Bellbrooke Surgery, confirmed NHS England is investigating the incident.

She added: “This story needs to be told to raise awareness to other parents because I don’t want anyone to go through what I’m going through.

“Parents need to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis themselves so that they know when to take action.”