Inquest concludes into death of girl, 11, from Warwick
Annabel Greenhalgh died the day after being sent home from Warwick Hospital.
An inquest has ruled the death of an 11-year-old girl from Warwick, who was diagnosed with constipation, was by natural causes.
Annabel Greenhalgh died the day after being sent home from Warwick Hospital in October 2022, after complaining of abdominal pain.
An inquest at Coventry Coroner's Court heard a post-mortem examination showed she died of a suspected cardiac arrest.
In a statement, Annabel's parents Josie and Craig said: “To lose Annabel in the way we did will haunt us forever. She was our beloved girl and for her to be taken away so suddenly and cruelly is something we’ll never get over.
“To this day, we still wake up and it takes us a moment to remember what’s happened, then the horror and devastation hits us like a truck. No parent should ever outlive their child. To think we’ll never get to celebrate landmarks in life such as Annabel passing her exams, getting married or having children of her own is hard to accept.
“To relive everything again at the inquest has been very tough for both of us, but we’re grateful that we at least have some answers now.
“We would give anything to have Annabel back in our lives – we miss her love and enthusiasm so much - but we know that can’t happen. All we can hope for now is that no other family has to go through what we have.”
A spokesperson for the South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust said it had expressed "heartfelt condolences to Annabel's family and friends" and apologised "for any actions and decisions that have caused additional distress."
Emma Rush, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family, said: “While nothing will ever make up for the pain and loss Josie and Craig feel, we’re pleased that we’ve at least been able to provide them with the answers they deserve.
“Sadly, the inquest has highlighted worrying issues in the care provided to Annabel prior to her death. It’s now vital that lessons are learned to help improve patient safety and prevent other families from going through the terrible suffering that Annabel’s family has."