Herald Express (Torbay, Brixham & South Hams Edition)
‘Army’ fights for Alice
Parents campaign for improved hospital safety after daughter, 14, dies during MRI scan
ACAMPAIGN has been launched in the name of a 14-year-old girl who died tragically during a routine MRI scan.
Alice Sloman was being examined at Torbay Hospital to investigate suspected water on the brain when she suffered a catastrophic cardiac event while in the scanner. Now her devastated parents Sarah and Nathan have set up Alice’s Army to ensure no other children suffer the same fate.
“Our daughter has died and we don’t want another family to suffer how we are right now,” they said.
“We are going to fight for our girl as we always have.
“We need your strength to find answers and will get justice for Alice. We are Alice’s Army and she will live on in our fight.”
Alice, a pupil at Combe Pafford School in Torquay, had a number of health problems. Her family are awaiting the results of her post-mortem examination and the hospital is investigating. An inquest will also be opened.
ACAMPAIGN has been launched in the name of a 14-year-old girl who died tragically during a routine MRI scan.
Alice Sloman was being examined at Torbay Hospital to investigate suspected water on the brain when she suffered a catastrophic cardiac event while in the scanner.
Now her devastated parents Sarah and Nathan have set up Alice’s Army to ensure no other children suffer the same fate.
“Our daughter has died and we don’t want another family to suffer how we are right now,” they said.
“We are going to fight for our girl as we always have.
“We need your strength to find answers and will get justice for Alice.We are Alice’s Army and she will live on in our fight. Every child should be checked to ensure they have a strong heart before any anaesthetic is given.”
Alice, a pupil at Combe Pafford School in Torquay, had a number of health problems including autism, being visually impaired and hypermobility.
Before her death she had been suffering from headaches so her consultant suggested having an MRI scan under general anaesthetic because she would not have been able to cope with the scan.
After falling ill on October 16 her parents were told she was unlikely to survive for more than seven hours, but she bravely fought for three days on life support before she died on October 19.
Her family are awaiting the results of her post mortem examination. The hospital have launched an investigation into her death.
Sarah said: “She went into hospital singing, laughing and being funny and then didn’t come home.
“It’s like waking up to a nightmare every single day. Being Alice’s full-time carer I am completely lost. I’m trying to muddle through for the sake of our other children but it’s so hard. Sometimes I just can’t believe it’s true.”
An inquest into Alice’s death will be opened today.
Jane Viner, chief nurse at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are currently investigating the very tragic death of Alice. Alice came to Torbay Hospital for a routine MRI scan, but during the procedure she deteriorated and was immediately transferred to Bristol for specialist intensive care.
“Very sadly and despite everyone’s best efforts, a few days later Alice died. Our hearts go out to the family at this very difficult time.
“As part of our investigation, we have contacted Alice’s family to hear their concerns and to share information about the care we provided. We will continue to be in contact as the investigation progresses and share any learning and recommendations that arise.”