Yahoo News 'Ava was let down... this should never happen again to any other child'
A coroner has called on the Health Secretary to take action after a pharmacist was unable to give a poorly toddler the antibiotics she had been prescribed.
Ava Hodgkinson, two, died from "overwhelming sepsis" caused by the bacterial infection Group A Streptococcus at Ormskirk & District General Hospital on October 14, 2022.
She had been taken to see a GP at Beacon Primary Care the previous day, but due to the antibiotics she had been prescribed being out of stock she was only able to take the first dose on the morning she died in her mother Jade's arms.
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An inquest held earlier this month heard there had been a nationwide shortage of certain antibiotics at the time, relating to an outbreak of Strep A, but because the government had not issued permission to pharmacists they were unable to dispense an alternative amount of amoxicillin.
The inquest heard that the government is "actively considering" making changes to legislation which would allow pharmacists to dispense alternative denominations of medication if that which was originally prescribed isn't available.
However, Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen Area Coroner Chris Long has now issued a Report to Prevent Future Deaths, in order to obtain more clarity over when and how any changes can be implemented.
In his report, sent to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Mr Long said: "In evidence at the inquest it was explained that the Ava had seen her GP who had prescribed amoxicillin with a dose of 250mg/5ml.
"The pharmacy did not have this strength in stock but did have amoxicillin 125mg/5ml in stock but could not issue this as restrictions currently in place prevent a pharmacist issuing any different strength of medication without an amended prescription, even where the medication can be provided to enable the same dose to be administered (here Ava’s parents could have been instructed to provide 10ml enabling the same dose of antibiotics to be provided). This led to a delay in Ava receiving antibiotics.
"Evidence from the Department of Health and Social Care included that this issue was being actively considered but it was explained the issue was complex and any change was likely to need public consultation and ministerial support.
"It was also explained that it was not possible to provide any timeframe for any appropriate steps to be taken to consider changing the restrictions preventing pharmacists from issuing medication where they can provide the same dosage of the same medication in a different denomination."
Ava's family, who live in Banks, near Southport, said they welcomed increased awareness about Strep A, as well as the inquest highlighting the need for "urgent treatment" when the infection is suspected.
Her parents, Jade and Adam, said after the inquest: "Comfort is very difficult to come by, but we take some from the light that has been shone on Strep A, its potentially devastating consequences, and the need for urgent treatment to be available when a child needs it.
"Ava was let down by the shortage of antibiotics and this should never happen again to any other child.”
