Additional Coverage:
Tragic Misdiagnosis Leads to Death of Three-Year-Old
A three-year-old girl, Penny Stevens, tragically passed away just hours after being misdiagnosed with a viral rash at a UK hospital. The rash was, in fact, a deadly case of Strep A.
Penny’s mother, Jemma Graham, took her daughter to St Richard’s Hospital on December 3, 2022, after Penny suffered from a cough and fever for three days. Ms.
Graham described the hospital waiting room as overwhelmingly crowded and chaotic. Both a triage nurse and a doctor reassured Ms.
Graham that Penny’s rash was likely viral.
Penny’s condition worsened after returning home. Ms.
Graham called emergency services the following day, but the ambulance took four hours to arrive. Penny died shortly after reaching Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.
Ms. Graham expressed deep regret for taking Penny to St Richard’s Hospital, describing the conditions as reminiscent of a “third world country.” She stated she “can’t forgive those that should have helped us.”
The nurse who treated Penny acknowledged the immense strain on staff that day, stating they were overwhelmed by the influx of patients concerned about Strep A following a media alert.
Dr. Maggie Davies, chief nurse at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, offered condolences to Penny’s family and acknowledged the unprecedented number of children requiring care in December 2022.
Dr. Davies pledged full cooperation with the ongoing inquest and a commitment to improving patient care.
The investigation into this tragic incident continues.