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NHS Trust Admits Liability After Coroner Rules Neglect in Death of Boy, 3, During Routine Biopsy

The inquest concluded the death was preventable due to systemic failures in hospital oversight.

Overview

  • Aarav Chopra died on November 22, 2023, after a trainee doctor pierced an artery during a liver biopsy at Birmingham Children's Hospital, causing an internal bleed and cardiac arrest.
  • His antiplatelet medication, which increased bleeding risk, should have been stopped a week before the procedure but was not, the inquest heard.
  • Senior Coroner Louise Hunt cited poor planning, poor communication and confusion over the trainee’s level of experience, and the parents say they were not told a trainee would perform the biopsy.
  • Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust admitted full liability, issued a formal apology and paid an undisclosed settlement, stating that with appropriate care his death would likely have been avoided.
  • The Trust says changes to processes were made following a 2024 review and the inquest, while the family’s separate civil legal action continues.