Wrong diagnosis led to tot’s death, says coroner

Georgia Keeling, from Norwich, died from an infection that caused meningitis following the incorrect diagnosis at the height of the 2009 national pandemic.

The inquest in Norwich heard that paramedic Patricia Perfect had examined her at home but sent an ambulance away because it was “another case of swine flu”.

Four hours later, following a second 999 call, the toddler was rushed to hospital where she died.

Returning a narrative verdict, Norfolk coroner William Armstrong ruled Georgia died following an “erroneous diagnosis” and the fact she was not immediately admitted to hospital reduced her chances of survival and contributed to her death.

He said: “She died from a condition that was previously undiagnosed and the examination by Miss Perfect was inadequate and deficient and there was a failure to recognise the severity of her condition.

“It is possible Miss Perfect was over-influenced by the fact there was at the time a prevalence of swine flu.

“There is no doubt at all that Georgia should have been sent to hospital immediately and she would have had a better chance of survival.”

He added that the East of England Ambulance Trust had already taken action to reduce the likelihood of future tragedies.

Pathologist Xenia Tyler said a post-mortem showed she died from a group A streptococcal infection, a rare form of blood poisoning which can inflame the tissues that line the brain and spine, the deadly condition known as meningitis.

Georgia was first seen by Miss Perfect at about midday on August 4, 2009 following a 999 call.

Her mother, Natasha Keeling, said she had initially felt relieved that she had been diagnosed and given the swine flu medication Tamiflu. Georgia’s father, Paul Sewell, said he had been reassured it was not life-threatening.

But her condition continued to deteriorate and Ms Keeling again dialled 999 shortly before 4pm. Georgia was pronounced dead at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital at 4.24pm.

Professor John Kroll told the inquest that, on the balance of probabilities, it was likely Georgia would have survived if she had been taken to hospital sooner and Dr Jeffrey Perrin, a paediatric and intensive care consultant said “red flag” warning signs were missed.