Investigation and inquest
On 15th April 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Chloe Grace FLAVELL, aged 3 days. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 18th December 2013. The conclusion of the inquest was:
CAUSE OF DEATH
1a Congenital heart disease (critical aortic valve stenosis with bicuspid aortic valve, small left ventricle and small mitral valve)
CONCLUSION
Chloe Grace Flavell died of natural causes contributed to by neglect.
Circumstances of the death
Chloe Flavell became unwell and was taken by her parents to Weston General Hospital on the morning of 3rd April 2013 and died there at 14:30 hours.
Coroner’s concerns
It became apparent during the evidence that the management of the reception area, i.e. the stage before triage, could add significant delay when assessing someone who was in need of immediate care and treatment especially a child.
I therefore indicated at the conclusion of the inquest that I would write to the Trust about the management of the reception area for them to consider whether there ought to be a better system in place to ensure that those needing immediate care and treatment, especially children, are managed in a more appropriate and efficient way to minimise delay and ensure that immediate care and treatment is given