A BOY died hours after he was sent home from hospital for a third time – and his parents were told to “give him Calpol”.
Daniel Klosi, 4, was sent away for the final time – despite his loved one’s desperate pleas for blood tests as they were concerned he was seriously ill.
SWNSDanile Klosi, 4, with his mum Lindita Alushi[/caption]
SWNSDanile at hospital on April 1 – after the family waited for four hours in A&E[/caption]
He had been taken by parents Lindita Alushi, 43, and Kastriot Klosi, 49, to London’s the Royal Free Hospital four times during the week before his death.
On two of those occasions, they were sent home with instructions to give him Calpol and Ibuprofen.
Only after visiting hospital twice in one day on April 1 was he admitted to a children’s emergency department – after the family waited for four hours in A&E.
By that time though he was visibly deteriorating – and died only a few hours later in the early hours of the following morning.
Lindita, a pharmacy assistant and qualified doctor in her native Albania, now living in Kentish Town in London, said: “Each time we took Daniel to hospital it was because we thought his condition was getting worse.
“We asked for tests such as blood tests and X-rays but it felt like our concerns weren’t fully listened to.
“We were getting more concerned about Daniel as it looked to us like his condition was deteriorating.
“When he was admitted to hospital everything seemed to move so quickly and in just a few hours Daniel had died.
“We felt so helpless watching him being taken from us in the most terrible way.
“It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the last few months and what we’ve been through.
“If it wasn’t for the hurt and pain we feel each day, it would almost seem unreal that Daniel died.
“Daniel was the most amazing little boy and we were so proud he was our son. He loved cooking and baking with me.
“He loved animals, listening to stories and playing with his friends. Daniel was very inquisitive and curious.
“He was just an absolute delight and didn’t deserve to die.”
The couple had first become concerned and attended hospital nearly a week before Daniel’s death on March 26.
He was given steroids for suspected croup and the family were sent home a couple of hours later.
On Thursday night they returned to hospital with concerns about Daniel’s breathing – but were discharged the next day and told to give him Calpol and Ibuprofen.
When they returned to hospital on Saturday morning after Daniel had stopped eating, they were given the same advice and sent home.
They soon returned on the same day at 4pm, but had to wait in A&E for four hours before Daniel was admitted.
His father, Kastriot, said: “I don’t think we’ll ever get over losing Daniel especially in the way we did.
“We’d do anything to have him back in our lives but we know that’s not possible.
“One of the hardest things to try and come to terms with is having so many unanswered questions about those final days.
“We can’t undo what’s happened but the least we can do is at least honour Daniel’s memory by getting the answers we and he deserves.
“The support we’ve had, including from family and friends and charities over the last few months has meant so much to us.
“I’m not sure we’d have been able to cope if it wasn’t for them.
“However, we feel we deserve answers as to why Daniel died. We also hope that by speaking out we can help raise awareness of sepsis and help others. We wouldn’t wish what we’re going through on anyone.”
The devastated couple have now enlisted the help of medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate their concerns about his care.
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Royal Free Hospital, has since launched an investigation, and Daniel’s death has been referred to a coroner.
Lucy Macklin, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Lindita and Kastriot, said: “This is a truly tragic case.
“Attempting to try and come to terms with Daniel’s death and the circumstances over the last few months has been incredibly difficult for Lindita and Kastriot.
“Understandably not only do they remain devastated but they have a number of questions and concerns about Daniel’s death and the circumstances surrounding it.
“While nothing will ever make up for their loss, we’re determined to support them so they can at least get the answers they deserve.
“Sepsis is an incredibly dangerous condition which can lead to devastating consequences.
“We join Lindita and Kastriot in urging everyone to be aware of the signs of sepsis. If people suspect they or a loved one has sepsis, it’s vital that they seek medical help as soon as possible.
“Early detection and treatment are key to successful medical treatment.”
A Royal Free London spokesperson said: “We are deeply sorry that Daniel died while under our care and would like to share our sincere and heartfelt condolences with his family.
“An investigation into the care provided to Daniel is ongoing.
“We have been in regular contact with his parents and have been sharing the findings of the investigation with them as it continues to progress.
“Once again, we would like to say how deeply sorry we are for their loss.”
SWNSDaniel’s death has been referred to a coroner[/caption]
SWNSDanile with his father Kastriot[/caption]