Hospital admits 'string of failures' were made leading to death of six-year-old girl

Royal Cornwall Hospital has accepted the findings of an independent report into the death of a six-year-old girl from St Ives, and apologised for failures made in her care.

Coco Rose Bradford died in July 2017 after becoming clinically dehydrated and contracting sepsis.

The Chief Executive of Truro's Royal Cornwall Hospital has apologised to Coco's family and admitted that her death could have been avoided.

At a meeting Kate Shields said: "A string of failures [were made] during Coco's time on the paediatric ward, including not recognising Coco was clinically dehydrated and not taking her blood pressure for 36 hours after admission."

Initially treated in Cornwall, Coco was transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, but had already contracted sepsis and sadly died three days later.

"I cannot and will not ever forgive those we hold responsible for Coco's death."

Her mum, Rachel Bradford, said: "Coco was unique, amazing, with so many difficulties, but she overcame all of them.

"I will never hear her say I love you ever again. When you take your child into hospital you have to put your trust into the hands of medical professionals."

She added: "Coco was an inspiration, a life-changer, and would have been a world-changer. She amazed us every single day.

"I cannot and will not ever forgive those we hold responsible for Coco's death."