Newport boy, 9, died from sepsis 'after receiving cold and cough treatment', coroner hears

Senior Coroner Caroline Saunders told the court that Dylan was discharged from the hospital in the early hours of 7 December 2022. Credit: Media Wales

A nine-year-old boy died from sepsis just days after being discharged from hospital with cold and cough treatment, a pre-inquest review has heard.

Dylan Cope from Newport was taken to the Grange Hospital in Cwmbran on 6 December 2022 and died eight days later.

Senior Coroner Caroline Saunders told the court that Dylan was discharged from the hospital in the early hours of 7 December.

Dylan Cope from Newport was taken to the Grange Hospital in Cwmbran on 6 December and died on 14 December 2022. Credit: Media Wales

Ms Saunders said: "Dylan was taken back to the hospital on 10 December and he was transferred to the University Hospital of Wales."Dylan sadly died on 14 December. His cause of death was listed as 1a septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction."

Ms Saunders has called for 11 witnesses to give evidence at a full inquest in 2024.

The hearing is expected to be held over three days and will take place between March and July 2024.

The pre-inquest review was held at Newport Coroners Court. Credit: Media Wales

A spokesman for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said: "Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with Dylan’s parents and his whole family at this difficult time.

"The events surrounding Dylan’s death have been thoroughly investigated through the Health Board’s Patient Safety Incident review process and the findings have been shared with Dylan’s parents and the Senior Coroner for Gwent.

"We will continue to support the Coroner with her enquiries."

In a statement Leigh Day- the law firm representing Dylan's family said: "Dylan was a healthy young boy, who died in the most tragic circumstances.

"The inquest aims to investigate the events surrounding Dylan’s death. There remain unanswered questions around those who treated him when he first presented to A&E and Dylan’s family is hopeful that all the facts are uncovered during this process.

"The family is also determined to advocate for improved awareness of sepsis in children and explore the lessons that can be learned from Dylan’s death."


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