Doctor learnt 'big lesson' after baby death

A doctor has said he learnt a "big lesson to be more compassionate" after a baby's death at a Kent hospital.

Archie Squire died of a rare heart condition just days after his first birthday following repeated visits to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital in Margate.

Dr Ravi Kumar, a paediatric registrar who works at the hospital, said at an inquest into the one-year-old's death it had been an "extraordinary case".

"This has been difficult for all of us," he said. "I am sorry."

A report by East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust found that during Archie's treatment opportunities to diagnose him appropriately, which could have prevented his death, were "missed".

The trust said it offered its "heartfelt condolences to Archie's family."

"We will work with the coroner to give the family answers," it added.

Archie died in the early hours of 23 November 2023 following two cardiac arrests.

His parents had made repeated visits to hospital over his life, concerned about Archie's breathing, constipation and vomiting.

Dr Kumar, who saw Archie at the start of his night shift on 22 November, said his first impression was the toddler was "not well".

"He was irritable," he said. "He was cold and pale."

The inquest, held at North East Kent Coroner's Court in Maidstone, heard Archie's condition had deteriorated in the early hours of the morning.

"He was not responding," Dr Kumar said, adding he had conveyed his concerns to the consultant and brought Archie from the ward for observation.

The court heard that hospital staff were treating Archie with a "working diagnosis" of bronchiolitis – an infection of the respiratory tract.

When asked by the barrister acting for Archie's family, Emily Raynor, if he should have considered alternative causes for the baby's illness and multiple hospital visits, Dr Kumar said he "did not consider it that night".

Archie's mother Lauren Parrish, from Dover, recalled her son being labelled a "mystery child" because doctors were not sure what was wrong with him.

The family has previously said in a joint statement that "fundamental failings" remained at the hospital that were putting children and babies at risk.

"Parents are being ignored and opportunities are still being missed," they added.

The inquest started on 19 May and is set to last six days.

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