‘Beautiful' girl, 3, died hours after mum took her home from ‘third-world country' hospital on doctor's advice
A TODDLER died hours after returning home from a busy hospital where doctors said she just had a "typical viral rash".
Three-year-old Penny Stevens and her mother Jemma Graham were told she was probably suffering from a virus, but she actually had Strep A.
3
3
Jemma said the hospital was "chaos" and overwhelmingly busy, with a nurse comparing it to a "third world country".
This came after an alert about the bacterial infection, causing floods of concerned parents to come in.
A triage nurse and a doctor told Jemma her daughter likely had a virus, so she took "exhausted" Penny home, Portmouth News reported.
But an inquest heard that Penny didn't get any better, and her worried mother phoned 999 the next morning.
The ambulance took four hours to arrive, and the toddler sadly died when she got to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.
Grieving mother Jemma told the Winchester inquest she will "die with regret" that she took Penny to the busy St Richard's Hospital.
Penny had suffered with a cough and temperature for three days when her mother took her to hospital on December 3, 2022.
Jemma said: " I have never seen a waiting room so busy and noisy that I was taken aback. The room got busier and busier...louder and louder."
Strep A symptoms
Strep A is a type of bacteria and most infections are mild and easily treated - but some are much more serious.
Common symptoms of strep A include:
flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body
sore throat (strep throat or tonsillitis)
a rash that feels rough, like sandpaper (scarlet fever)
scabs and sores (impetigo)
pain and swelling (cellulitis)
severe muscle aches
nausea and vomiting
Strep A infections are more common in children, but adults can also sometimes get them.
Most strep A infections are not serious and can be treated with antibiotics.
But rarely, the infection can cause serious problems. This is called invasive group A strep (iGAS).
She said there was nowhere to sit and children were crying in their parents' arms.
The nurse told her "the rash is just a typical viral rash".
Jemma told the inquest she "can't forgive those that should have helped us".
The nurse who saw Penny told the inquest of the"immense" pressure on staff that day.
She said they were "utterly blindsided" by the sheer amount of patients.
The nurse said this was due to a 'media alert' about Strep A which prompted 'worried' parents to visit.
Dr Maggie Davies, the chief nurse at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are so sorry for the heartbreak suffered by Penny's family, and the terrible loss they have endured.
"As the inquest has heard, December 2022 was an extraordinary period with unprecedented numbers of poorly children needing care.
"We will give the coroner all the support we can throughout the inquest process, and continue to improve and strengthen patient care whenever we can."
The inquest continues.
3
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
Holidaymakers sue 'nightmare' resort with 'gastric illness' and 'wild animals around buffet'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Twenty-five British holidaymakers are taking legal action against a posh five-star resort in Cape Verde, following a disastrous 'nightmare' holiday. The anticipated idyllic escape turned into chaos as guests reportedly suffered from gastric illnesses at the Riu Karamboa resort in Boa Vista. They encountered alarming conditions near the buffet area, with birds, flies, and even cats lurking around the food, which was often described as "raw and undercooked," amidst claims of "dirty crockery and cutlery." Sharon Burrow, 56, an NHS worker who paid out £3,000 for a trip to celebrate her early retirement, ended up in hospital with a severe infection. From Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, Sharon recounted that the so-called luxury holiday unfolded into "one of the worst experiences of her life," with health complications still plaguing her eight months after. Penny Robson, 55, a paramedic from London, also shared her ordeal after spending £2,000 for a week-long stay only to endure severe gastric distress – bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Five days into her visit in September 2023, Penny was compelled to abort planned activities, including stargazing and a private island tour, as she grappled with the illness that necessitated antibiotics. Alongside Sharon and others, Penny is involved in a collective of 25 travellers who have recruited solicitors to delve into the hygiene practices at the resort and pursue compensation following their dreadful experiences. Sharon, 56, from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, flew out to Riu Karamboa for a ten-day getaway on 20 September 2024, reports the Mirror. But around five days into the holiday, she said she started to suffer from aches and pains, and a fever before experiencing stomach cramps and diarrhoea. (Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS) She visited AandE when she landed in the UK and tests confirmed she had and shigella. Sharon said doctors suspected she contracted the infection on holiday. The mental health worker said: "I was unwell for nearly three weeks and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I was in so much pain and completely drained - it felt like my body just shut down. "I'd been concerned about hygiene at the hotel. Food was served at room temperature and new food was added to existing food. I saw dirty crockery, cats in and around the restaurant and empty plates attracting flies were left on tables. I feel completely let down and while it's too late for me the least I feel I deserve is answers and to raise awareness of what I've been through so hopefully others don't have to." Penny was meanwhile left requiring medical treatment at the resort, including antibiotics and electrolytes, after she fell poorly five days into the holiday. Since returning home, Penny has been left suffering ongoing anxiety, with the illness having a lasting impact on her confidence and wellbeing. She said: "I was looking forward to my holiday and had saved for months. However, the excitement for the holiday quickly disappeared when I started feeling unwell. It completely ruined what should have been a relaxing time. I've never felt so vulnerable while abroad. (Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS) "I'm very cautious now regarding where I would book a holiday. This has affected my choices and I travel much shorter distances to Europe as I don't feel confident travelling to further afield places. I no longer trust my body and if I ever eat out I constantly worry about food and how it's prepared. I just want answers as to how my holiday became a nightmare." Law firm Irwin Mitchell is currently representing more than 1,400 holidaymakers who suffered serious illnesses linked to holidays in Cape Verde since 2022. Jatinder Paul, the international serious injury lawyer representing those who have fallen ill, said: "This is yet another resort in Cape Verde that has come under the spotlight following reports of serious illness. "We're already representing more than 1,400 British holidaymakers who have suffered gastric illness linked to holidays on the islands over the last three years. Illnesses like are serious and can lead to long-term health complications. It's vital that if any issue are identified, swift action is taken to eradicate the risks to other holidaymakers. (Image: Irwin Mitchell / SWNS) "While nothing can make up for their ordeals, this latest group we represent understandably want answers. They booked what they hoped would be luxury holidays, but the first-hand accounts we've heard about their holiday were anything but luxury. As part of our investigations, we would be interested in hearing from other guests staying at the hotel at the same time as this group." The Riu Karamboa resort told the Mirror: "For RIU Hotels and Resorts, the health and safety of our guests is our highest priority. That is why we adhere to strict Health and Safety protocols and comply with all applicable regulations. Additionally, we work closely with local health authorities to ensure a safe environment for both our guests and employees. As part of our proactive approach to preventing health issues, we conduct thorough internal and external audits on a regular basis. "Our hotels in Cape Verde, which consist of six properties with a total of 4,650 rooms, maintain an average occupancy rate of over 80%. Given this high level of activity, we continuously monitor our operations to uphold the highest health and safety standards." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
3 days ago
- North Wales Live
Holidaymakers sue 'nightmare' resort with 'gastric illness' and 'wild animals around buffet'
Twenty-five British holidaymakers are taking legal action against a posh five-star resort in Cape Verde, following a disastrous 'nightmare' holiday. The anticipated idyllic escape turned into chaos as guests reportedly suffered from gastric illnesses at the Riu Karamboa resort in Boa Vista. They encountered alarming conditions near the buffet area, with birds, flies, and even cats lurking around the food, which was often described as "raw and undercooked," amidst claims of "dirty crockery and cutlery." Sharon Burrow, 56, an NHS worker who paid out £3,000 for a trip to celebrate her early retirement, ended up in hospital with a severe infection. From Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, Sharon recounted that the so-called luxury holiday unfolded into "one of the worst experiences of her life," with health complications still plaguing her eight months after. Penny Robson, 55, a paramedic from London, also shared her ordeal after spending £2,000 for a week-long stay only to endure severe gastric distress – bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Five days into her visit in September 2023, Penny was compelled to abort planned activities, including stargazing and a private island tour, as she grappled with the illness that necessitated antibiotics. Alongside Sharon and others, Penny is involved in a collective of 25 travellers who have recruited solicitors to delve into the hygiene practices at the resort and pursue compensation following their dreadful experiences. Sharon, 56, from Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, flew out to Riu Karamboa for a ten-day getaway on 20 September 2024, reports the Mirror. But around five days into the holiday, she said she started to suffer from aches and pains, and a fever before experiencing stomach cramps and diarrhoea. She visited AandE when she landed in the UK and tests confirmed she had and shigella. Sharon said doctors suspected she contracted the infection on holiday. The mental health worker said: "I was unwell for nearly three weeks and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I was in so much pain and completely drained - it felt like my body just shut down. "I'd been concerned about hygiene at the hotel. Food was served at room temperature and new food was added to existing food. I saw dirty crockery, cats in and around the restaurant and empty plates attracting flies were left on tables. I feel completely let down and while it's too late for me the least I feel I deserve is answers and to raise awareness of what I've been through so hopefully others don't have to." Penny was meanwhile left requiring medical treatment at the resort, including antibiotics and electrolytes, after she fell poorly five days into the holiday. Since returning home, Penny has been left suffering ongoing anxiety, with the illness having a lasting impact on her confidence and wellbeing. She said: "I was looking forward to my holiday and had saved for months. However, the excitement for the holiday quickly disappeared when I started feeling unwell. It completely ruined what should have been a relaxing time. I've never felt so vulnerable while abroad. "I'm very cautious now regarding where I would book a holiday. This has affected my choices and I travel much shorter distances to Europe as I don't feel confident travelling to further afield places. I no longer trust my body and if I ever eat out I constantly worry about food and how it's prepared. I just want answers as to how my holiday became a nightmare." Law firm Irwin Mitchell is currently representing more than 1,400 holidaymakers who suffered serious illnesses linked to holidays in Cape Verde since 2022. Jatinder Paul, the international serious injury lawyer representing those who have fallen ill, said: "This is yet another resort in Cape Verde that has come under the spotlight following reports of serious illness. "We're already representing more than 1,400 British holidaymakers who have suffered gastric illness linked to holidays on the islands over the last three years. Illnesses like are serious and can lead to long-term health complications. It's vital that if any issue are identified, swift action is taken to eradicate the risks to other holidaymakers. "While nothing can make up for their ordeals, this latest group we represent understandably want answers. They booked what they hoped would be luxury holidays, but the first-hand accounts we've heard about their holiday were anything but luxury. As part of our investigations, we would be interested in hearing from other guests staying at the hotel at the same time as this group." The Riu Karamboa resort told the Mirror: "For RIU Hotels and Resorts, the health and safety of our guests is our highest priority. That is why we adhere to strict Health and Safety protocols and comply with all applicable regulations. Additionally, we work closely with local health authorities to ensure a safe environment for both our guests and employees. As part of our proactive approach to preventing health issues, we conduct thorough internal and external audits on a regular basis. "Our hotels in Cape Verde, which consist of six properties with a total of 4,650 rooms, maintain an average occupancy rate of over 80%. Given this high level of activity, we continuously monitor our operations to uphold the highest health and safety standards."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Sickened Brits sue 'nightmare' resort with 'raw food and wild animals around buffet'
What was supposed to be a dream getaway quickly spiralled into a holiday from hell for the guests after they suffered gastric illnesses at the luxury five-star resort - which they say served them raw food. A group of 25 fuming Brits have sued a nightmare holiday resort after an alleged holiday from hell. The guests allegedly suffered gastric illnesses while staying at the Riu Karamboa, in Boa Vista and claim there were disturbing scenes around the hotel's buffet including birds, flies, and even cats wandering freely. While the food, they allege, was often"raw and undercooked," served alongside "dirty crockery and cutlery". One NHS worker, who splurged £3,000 to celebrate early retirement, said she ended up hospitalised with a severe infection during her holiday, reports the Mirror. Sharon Burrow, 56, from Greater Manchester, told how the luxury break became 'one of the worst experiences of her life,' and eight months on, she still battles ongoing complications. Another guest, Penny Robson, a 55-year-old paramedic from London, was forced to take antibiotics after battling a brutal bout of gastric symptoms - bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps. Penny, who paid £2,000 for a weeklong stay with a friend in September 2023, had to cancel two prepaid excursions, including a stargazing trip and a private island tour, after falling ill five days in. Together with Sharon and others, Penny is now part of a group of 25 holidaymakers who have enlisted lawyers to investigate the resort's hygiene standards and seek justice after their nightmare stays. Sharon jetted off to Riu Karamboa for a ten day break on September 20, 2024. But around five days into the holiday, she said she started to suffer from aches and pains, and a fever before experiencing stomach cramps and diarrhoea. She visited A&E when she landed in the UK and tests confirmed she had and shigella. Sharon said doctors suspected she contracted the infection on holiday. The mental health worker said: 'I was unwell for nearly three weeks and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. I was in so much pain and completely drained - it felt like my body just shut down. 'I'd been concerned about hygiene at the hotel. Food was served at room temperature and new food was added to existing food. I saw dirty crockery, cats in and around the restaurant and empty plates attracting flies were left on tables. I feel completely let down and while it's too late for me the least I feel I deserve is answers and to raise awareness of what I've been through so hopefully others don't have to.' Penny was meanwhile left requiring medical treatment at the resort, including antibiotics and electrolytes, after she fell poorly five days into the holiday. Since returning home, Penny has been left suffering ongoing anxiety, with the illness having a lasting impact on her confidence and wellbeing. She said: 'I was looking forward to my holiday and had saved for months. However, the excitement for the holiday quickly disappeared when I started feeling unwell. It completely ruined what should have been a relaxing time. I've never felt so vulnerable while abroad. 'I'm very cautious now regarding where I would book a holiday. This has affected my choices and I travel much shorter distances to Europe as I don't feel confident travelling to further afield places. I no longer trust my body and if I ever eat out I constantly worry about food and how it's prepared. I just want answers as to how my holiday became a nightmare.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Law firm Irwin Mitchell is currently representing more than 1,400 holidaymakers who suffered serious illnesses linked to holidays in Cape Verde since 2022. Jatinder Paul, the international serious injury lawyer representing those who have fallen ill, said: 'This is yet another resort in Cape Verde that has come under the spotlight following reports of serious illness. 'We're already representing more than 1,400 British holidaymakers who have suffered gastric illness linked to holidays on the islands over the last three years. Illnesses like are serious and can lead to long-term health complications. It's vital that if any issue are identified, swift action is taken to eradicate the risks to other holidaymakers. 'While nothing can make up for their ordeals, this latest group we represent understandably want answers. They booked what they hoped would be luxury holidays, but the first-hand accounts we've heard about their holiday were anything but luxury. As part of our investigations, we would be interested in hearing from other guests staying at the hotel at the same time as this group.' The Riu Karamboa resort told the Mirror: "For RIU Hotels & Resorts, the health and safety of our guests is our highest priority. That is why we adhere to strict Health & Safety protocols and comply with all applicable regulations. Additionally, we work closely with local health authorities to ensure a safe environment for both our guests and employees. As part of our proactive approach to preventing health issues, we conduct thorough internal and external audits on a regular basis. "Our hotels in Cape Verde, which consist of six properties with a total of 4,650 rooms, maintain an average occupancy rate of over 80%. Given this high level of activity, we continuously monitor our operations to uphold the highest health and safety standards."
