Overview
- A Sheffield jury said Nottingham’s QMC not performing a lumbar puncture before transfer and weak risk management at Sheffield’s Becton Centre possibly contributed to the 12-year-old’s death.
- Post-mortem results disclosed during the hearing identified autoimmune encephalitis as the condition underlying her acute psychosis.
- Nottingham University Hospitals apologised and said lumbar punctures will be performed in all suspected cases, with strengthened staff training and guidance.
- Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust expressed sorrow, detailed changes at the Becton Centre, and noted a recent CQC inspection finding the unit safe and responsive.
- The senior coroner said she will write to the health secretary and professional bodies about the absence of national guidance on testing for autoimmune encephalitis.