Family Demands Answers as Inquest Begins into 20-Year-Old’s ‘Preventable’ Death
London, UK – A 20-year-old woman described as “happy and outgoing” by her family died from meningitis less than a day after being told she did not have the infection, an inquest has heard.
The inquest into the death of Sophie Ward, which began on Monday, February 17, has revealed critical delays and missed opportunities in her treatment at Barnet Hospital before she tragically passed away on July 31, 2023.
Early Symptoms Ignored
Sophie, who had received a meningitis vaccine in 2017, first reported feeling unwell on July 30. By 2 PM, her mother, Alice Ward, noticed she was shivering and had a high temperature—both classic symptoms of meningitis.
Concerned, Alice called NHS 111, reporting Sophie’s 38.6°C fever. They were advised to get to Barnet Hospital within the hour, arriving at 3:30 PM.
Alice recalled that A&E was chaotic when they arrived and that she immediately told reception she feared Sophie had meningitis.
Long Delays and Missed Diagnosis
Despite her urgent condition, Sophie was not seen for nearly two hours, despite NHS guidelines stating she should have been assessed within 15 minutes.
Her condition worsened rapidly. By 7:15 PM, nearly five hours after arriving, Sophie finally saw a doctor.
Doctors conducted blood and urine tests, which were reported as normal. Alice again raised concerns about meningitis, but doctors instead suggested Sophie was simply dehydrated.
A CT scan was performed, and doctors reassured Sophie that meningitis would have been visible in 90% of cases—but her scan came back clear.
Crucially, a lumbar puncture, the gold standard test for meningitis, was never performed.
Tragic Deterioration and Final Moments
As the evening progressed, Sophie’s condition worsened drastically. The next morning, she was found with blood oozing from her eyes, a sign of advanced meningitis.
She passed away on July 31.
Family’s Grief and Call for Change
Her devastated mother, Alice, believes her daughter’s death was preventable.
“Despite having meningitis, Sophie was told she was ‘probably dehydrated.’ They should have done more.”
Sophie’s brother, Joe Ward, ran the London Marathon last year to raise funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation, determined to raise awareness and prevent more avoidable deaths.
Inquest and Investigation
The inquest will examine whether Barnet Hospital’s response was adequate and if critical delays played a role in Sophie’s tragic death.
Health experts continue to stress the importance of early meningitis detection, warning that misdiagnosis can cost lives.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is a life-threatening infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes. Symptoms include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Cold hands and feet
- Stiff neck
Immediate hospital treatment is crucial to survival.
The inquest continues, with Sophie’s family hoping for justice and systemic change to prevent similar tragedies.
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