Young Woman Sent Home with Undiagnosed Skull Fracture After Exeter Cyclist Crash
A 20-year-old woman was struck by a cyclist in Exeter city centre last December and sent home from Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital with a fractured skull left undiagnosed. The shocking oversight has sparked a call from England’s Health Ombudsman for urgent hospital reforms to prevent similar disasters.
Missed Injuries and Neglected Warning Signs
The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, suffered serious injuries when hit by a cyclist on December 7, 2022. At the hospital, doctors failed to spot critical signs of a fractured skull after she spent three hours in A&E. They only treated a cut on her forehead before discharging her with basic verbal head injury advice.
Her symptoms worsened the next day. Taken to a minor injuries unit, she was referred immediately to University Hospital Southampton. There, X-rays and a CT scan revealed a fractured skull, broken rib, and extensive facial bruising.
Parents Hit Out at Hospital’s Failings
“We were shocked and angry when we found out doctors had missed the fracture and broken rib. It felt like because she was a young person going into hospital, there was no-one to really advocate for her. They missed major red flags, and I literally can’t comprehend it,” said her mother.
The young woman still suffers from anxiety and stress, which has badly affected her education and daily life.
Ombudsman Demands Change as Hospital Apologises
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) found the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust failed in its duty of care. The trust has agreed to issue a formal apology and implement an action plan to stop future mistakes.
Rebecca Hilsenrath, the Ombudsman, said: “This young woman has experienced ongoing disruption, including to her education, at a key time in her life. She was let down badly. When mistakes in healthcare occur, they must be acknowledged and addressed to ensure a better service in the future.”
The trust has pledged to improve patient care, especially for those with head injuries, including providing written advice after discharge.
