Baby Dies Hours After Doctor Fails to Spot Meningitis
A nine-month-old baby tragically died from acute bacterial meningitis just hours after a doctor misdiagnosed him with viral tonsillitis, according to an ongoing inquest. Lucas Munslow was taken to Glan Clwyd Hospital in Denbighshire, Wales, by his concerned parents after he appeared cross-eyed. However, a doctor reportedly did not fully examine Lucas and concluded that he had viral tonsillitis. Lucas was sent home with instructions to treat him with a throat spray. His condition worsened rapidly, and he was rushed back to the hospital later that day. Despite the efforts of doctors, Lucas passed away less than 24 hours after being discharged.
We were beginning to panic something was really wrong with our son, Nathan and Kimberley Munslow said in a statement to the inquest. We had a very poorly baby. The initial examination took place on the evening of May 17, 2019, by Dr. Kayode-Awe Olugbemiga, a senior house officer at the time. Despite having meningitis on his radar, Dr. Olugbemiga did not see any evidence to support that diagnosis. He claimed that Lucas was examined outside of his pram, contrary to the parents’ account. However, he admitted not fully reviewing all the information from the emergency unit, including a reference to Lucas’s earlier squint.
Dr. Solabomi Alalade, a colleague of Dr. Olugbemiga, attested that Lucas had a high temperature but it had improved. She also stated that there were no signs of meningitis at that stage and dismissed the squint as something children experience when tired. Tragically, Lucas’s condition deteriorated further at home, leading to his desperate trip back to Glan Clwyd Hospital in an ambulance. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Lucas passed away later that day.
Dr. Matthew Sandman, a consultant pediatrician, testified that children with meningitis often start out appearing only slightly unwell. He explained that diagnosing pneumococcal meningitis, like in Lucas’s case, is particularly challenging because it is an insidious illness. It’s an awful illness, Dr. Sandman added. The ongoing inquest, presided over by senior coroner John Gittins, is not looking to assign blame or liability.
The hearing is expected to conclude today. The tragic loss of baby Lucas Munslow has underscored the importance of accurate and thorough diagnoses, particularly when dealing with potentially life-threatening conditions such as meningitis. The inquest serves as an opportunity to investigate the circumstances surrounding Lucas’s misdiagnosis in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.
