'Missed opportunities' to treat boy - inquest

A THREE-YEAR-OLD boy died from sepsis after there were “missed opportunities” for earlier hospital care, an inquest jury has concluded.

- ROD MINCHIN

Theo Tuikubulau had been gradually getting sicker with a high temperature, flu-like symptoms, breathing difficulties and was reluctant to eat or drink.

The jury returned a narrative conclusion and highlighted three “missed opportunities” when his mother called the 72-hour open access line, the differences in 111 and 999 categorisations, and the allocation of ambulances following the emergency call as being contributory factors.

“From this, Theo died from an invasive Group Strep A infection contributed by missed opportunities to render earlier care and treatment,” they said.

The four-day hearing heard Theo was first admitted to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth on the afternoon of July 6 2022 with a suspected upper respiratory infection, but discharged a few hours later.