Hospital attacked over meningitis tragedy

Oliver Martin, from Welford, Northamptonshire, died of meningococcal septicaemia at the Leicester Royal Infirmary on May 13 last year.

He was taken to the hospital by his mother, a nurse, but died 12 hours after being admitted.

HIs familiy said a succession of doctors throughout the day failed to diagnose him as suffering from meningitis despite his displaying

typical symptoms, vital assessments were not recorded properly, and he was given potentially life-saving drugs too late.

At an inquest into his death, Leicester coroner Catherine Mason said written and verbal communication during nurse and doctor handovers was poor.

Recording a narrative verdict at Leicester Town Hall, she said if earlier treatment had been given his chances of survival would have been better.

The acting medical director at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Kevin Harris, said: "We accept the coroner's verdict and we would like to express our sincere condolences to his family for the upset and distress."