'Our son had undiagnosed leukaemia for six weeks before he died. We were told to relax'
Devastated parents believe healthcare system failed them
Julia O'Connor holds a photograph of her son Adam who died of leukaemia
Wednesday November 18 2009
A HEARTBROKEN couple last night claimed Ireland's healthcare system failed them after their three-month-old son died from acute leukaemia after being treated for colic and constipation for six weeks.
Tom (37) and Julia O'Connor (37), from Mallow, Co Cork, yesterday told the Irish Independent they had been left devastated by the death of their only child, Adam.
"The message we want to get out there is parents should follow their gut instincts -- if you think your child is seriously ill, go to a hospital A&E unit -- and don't worry about paying the €100 fee. Kick a door down if you have to and demand that your child is seen by a senior doctor," Tom said. The Health Service Executive (HSE)-South confirmed that an internal review is under way.
"Cork University Hospital (CUH) wish to extend their sympathies to the parents and family on their bereavement. This is an incredibly sensitive case which is subject to an internal review and to respect the privacy of the parents it would not be appropriate to comment further," a HSE spokesperson said.
Adam, who was born on November 10, 2008, first became ill last Christmas. He died on February 17, just 48 hours after being diagnosed with acute leukaemia.
However, his parents are deeply concerned that Adam was only diagnosed with leukaemia two days before his death -- despite having been ill for almost two months.
"No parent should have to go through what we have suffered," Julia said. "Adam would have celebrated his first birthday last week and the only present we can give him now is to go public in the hope no other parent goes through what we have suffered," she said.
Adam became ill over Christmas and, despite initially feeding well and putting on weight, would cry non-stop and, at times, scream in obvious pain.
Worried
Over the next six weeks his worried parents repeatedly took him to see GPs and out-of-hours doctors, rang nurse helplines and twice brought him to CUH's accident and emergency unit.
"Adam was crying to us, trying to let us know he was sick. But people didn't want to listen to us," Julia added.
On both of their visits to CUH's A&E unit -- on January 4 and February 14 -- the couple did not get to see a paediatric consultant directly, being dealt with by junior doctors on both occasions. No blood tests were taken from Adam, and various doctors simply told Tom and Julia their son had constipation.
They were advised to change his milk formula, give Adam sugared water and then give him doses of lactose to ease his bowel movements. One doctor wrote in medical notes, later seen by the O'Connors: "Mum would want to relax, Mum would want to calm down; Mum would want to go home and enjoy (her) baby more."
However, Adam's condition continued to deteriorate. On February 14, Adam was screaming in so much pain that Tom and Julia again brought him to CUH. His parents were also worried that traces of blood were detected in his vomit.
After waiting for almost two hours at CUH, they finally saw a junior doctor who prescribed suppositories and lactose to deal with Adam's constipation.
However, Adam became so ill the next day that the couple brought him to Mallow General Hospital. Doctors advised them to bring Adam to see a paediatrician and the baby was rushed to CUH by ambulance.
After being admitted, blood tests and CT scans were immediately conducted on the infant.
The baby was later diagnosed with acute leukaemia and doctors also discovered that he was haemorrhaging in his brain.
His condition was so serious that he could not be transferred to Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin -- and he also began to suffer mini-strokes on February 16. Adam died a day later. A heartbroken Tom and Julia were by his bedside.
"The care Adam got in Mallow General Hospital, in CUH's children's ward and the Intensive Care Unit was simply the best. Once he was diagnosed he got absolutely incredible care. But getting the diagnosis is the thing," Julia said. "It was too late for Adam."
- Ralph Riegel
Irish Independent
