Heartbroken parents demand answers after daughter, 11, dies hours after doctors sent her home from A&E with constipation
Annabel Greenhalgh died just hours after doctors in charge of her care sent her home after she complained of abdominal pain - and now her heartbroken parents are demanding answers.
11-year-old Annabel's tragic death took place in 2022, but an inquest is set to begin in the coming days.
It has emerged that Annabel had just begun studying at Alcester Grammar School and was described as 'well-loved' by teachers and pupils.
Her parents, Craig and Josie, took her to A&E in Warwick Hospital following complaints of abdominal pain on October 13, 2022.
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Between 2017 and 2021, Annabel had experienced many bouts of serious abdominal pain and had been left in need of hospital treatment on many occasions.
The doctors looking after Annabel surmised that she had constipation and sent her home that evening. But dad Craig found her unresponsive at home the following morning and immediately called 999.
Paramedics attempted to resuscitate her but tragically, Annabel was pronounced dead at the scene.
Almost two years on from Annabel's death, an inquest into her passing is set to begin on 14 June at Coventry Coroners’ Court.
Mum Josie said: “Annabel was an incredible child and loved by all who met her. She was gentle, phenomenally bright, creative, fun and always inclusive of everyone.
"She absolutely loved her music, her fashion, her art, her friends, and her beloved cat Reuben. She was our greatest gift and brought so much love, joy and happiness to our lives.
“Since losing her, much of our days have been filled with distress, emptiness and sorrow.”
Craig has highlighted the importance of the inquest, adding: “When we were told we could take Annabel home from hospital, we trusted that there was nothing serious going on.
“To wake up the next morning and find her unresponsive was absolutely devastating and something we still struggle to comprehend.
“Every day since then, we’ve wondered if more could have been done to save our little girl. She was our only child and we still have so many unanswered questions around what happened to her.
“We know that hearing everything again at the inquest will be incredibly difficult, but it’s something we need to do to honour our daughter and get the answers we’ve been seeking for more than 18 months.
“Since losing Annabel, there’s been a gaping hole in our lives and we wouldn’t wish what we’ve suffered on anyone.
“She had just started secondary school and had her whole life ahead of her. Words cannot truly express how much we miss her.”
The devastated parents have since instructed medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the tragedy.
Emma Rush, the family's solicitor, stated: “Josie and Craig understandably remain devastated at losing their little girl so suddenly and tragically. They also continue to have a number of questions over what happened to her.
“While nothing can bring Annabel back, the inquest is a major milestone in being able to provide her family with the answers they deserve.
“If, during the course of the inquest any issues in the care provided to Annabel are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety.”
Tyla has reached out to Warwick Hospital for comment.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Kya Buller