Schoolgirl, 11, with ‘lovely smile & kind heart’ died after FOUR doctors ‘missed her appendicitis’, inquest hears

A SCHOOLGIRL, 11, died after four doctors "missed her appendicitis", an inquest has heard.

Lacey Brookman's appendix is believed to have burst before her initial GP appointment, but her condition wasn't diagnosed for another two weeks.

Lacey Brookman died after four doctors 'missed her appendicitis', an inquest has heard

The young girl underwent surgery at King's College Hospital to remove her appendix, but sadly died after suffering multi-organ failure due to complications on June 4, 2021.

Lacey displayed appendicitis symptoms that make up only "one-third of acute" cases, the inquest heard.

The Year 6 pupil was dismissed by four doctors at her GP surgery and in the hospital.

It wasn't until Lacey was given an ultrasound test, that she received her diagnosis.

SHOCK TWIST

Doctors told me I was stressed and needed to do yoga but I actually had cancer

TEEN AGONY

I went through menopause at 14 - doctors told me I was 'too young'

The senior coroner for London Inner South, Doctor Julian Morris, has now issued a Prevention of Future Deaths Report.

Dr Morris said in his report there is a lack of "knowledge and awareness" around diagnosing appendicitis.

He warned there should be more ultrasound scan tests available, particularly out of hours.

Lacey, from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, first complained of abdominal pain in April 2021.

Her other symptoms included nausea, vomiting and constipation.

The 11-year-old's mum made an appointment with their GP after 10 days, which was held over the phone, and were told Lacey had a virus.

Unsatisfied by this response, they went to a second GP three days later, who then referred Lacey to the hospital with suspected appendicitis.

However, the schoolgirl was dismissed by three doctors at the hospital, who failed to diagnose her, the inquest heard.

It was only when a consultant ordered an ultrasound, medical professionals discovered Lacey's appendix had burst.

The inquest heard that it is believed the young girl's appendix had actually burst before their first GP appointment.

Lacey was rushed onto to a specialist paediatric unit to remove her appendix.

But tragically complications following surgery meant she needed further operations.

Lacey died at King's College Hospital after suffering multi-organ failure on June 4, 2021.

Dr Morris said Lacey's condition, acute retrocaecal appendicitis, is not recognised enough.

At the conclusion of the inquest, he said: "I do not consider there is sufficient knowledge and awareness and therefore consideration from junior staff in relation to this particular type of presentation of acute appendicitis.

"In addition, the importance of carrying out an abdominal ultrasound was highlighted.

"The evidence was that this could only be provided by the on-call radiologist, which therefore restricted its availability and assistance in making the diagnosis.

"During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern.

"In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.

"Neither the original GP, the reviewing surgical SHO or surgical registrar considered that Lacey had appendicitis.

"The Consultant surgeon reviewing Lacey on the 24, considered she was ill but could not reach a diagnosis."

The report has been sent to the Royal College of GPs, the Royal College of Paediatricians, the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Radiologists.

They were given a deadline to respond which ends today.