Heartbreak as baby girl dies in mum’s arms at 11 weeks old after medics ‘dismissed bowel condition as tummy bug’
HOSPITAL bosses have apologised after an 11-week-old baby girl died following a series of devastating failure.
Little Nova Maynard Parsons, from East Grinstead, tragically passed away after delays at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton meant her life-threatening bowel condition was missed.
A coroner ruled that Nova died from natural causes, but said neglect and serious delays had contributed to her death.
Her devastated parents told how they raised concerns again and again but felt ignored by doctors.
Nova’s father, Andy Parsons, 36, said: “We didn’t always feel like they took our concerns seriously.”
Mum India Parsons, 29, added: “It felt like we were treated as over-cautious parents.”
Nova was rushed to hospital after she became unsettled, grumpy and sick.
But despite her clear distress, medics initially suspected only a minor stomach bug.
Senior coroner Penelope Schofield slammed the hospital for “gross failure” to provide basic medical attention.
She said Nova’s bowel obstruction was missed, and that precious hours to save her were wasted.
By the time doctors realised the severity, Nova’s condition was critical.
Emergency surgery was finally carried out, but damage was already too severe.
Nova had to be rushed by ambulance to Southampton General Hospital’s specialist paediatric intensive care unit.
Despite the best efforts to medics there, she died in her mother’s arms just after am on March 11, 2020.
Nova had to be rushed by ambulance to Southampton General Hospital’s specialist paediatric intensive care unit.
Despite the best efforts of medics there, she died in her mother’s arms just after 4am on March 11, 2020.
Nova had been born two weeks overdue in December 2019 at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.
She underwent bowel surgery just 36 hours later, spending her first month in hospital.
But against the odds, she pulled through — and became a happy, lively baby.
Her mum described her as “full of personality” and “so alert”, loving to watch the world go by from a window.
Tragically, a minor fall on a thick rug at home days before her death led to fresh hospital visits.
The inquest heard how signs of a serious bowel problem were missed over four crucial days.
One doctor recognised the need for surgery, but failed to immediately alert senior consultants.
A serious incident review found missed opportunities, poor communication, and human error played a role.
It said Nova was seen by several doctors, but her worsening condition wasn’t properly recognised.
Observations were missed, record-keeping was poor, and decisions to delay surgery proved fatal.
The report listed 13 recommendations to stop future tragedies from happening.
Deputy chief executive Andy Heeps, from University Hospitals Sussex, offered a full apology after the inquest.
He said: “We deeply regret that Nova did not receive the care she should have.”
Changes have now been made to paediatric surgery services and extra training has been given to staff.
But Nova’s parents said nothing can ease their heartbreak.
India Parsons said: “We did the right thing. We took her to hospital. We trusted them.
“But they didn’t save her. We put our daughter’s life in their hands and they let her down.”
She added: “Hearing later that her life could have been saved was just devastating.
“It’s something we will never get over.”
What is a wowel obstruction and why is it so dangerous?
- A bowel obstruction is when part of the intestines gets blocked.
- Food, fluid, and gas can’t move through the intestines normally.
- This causes swelling, pain, vomiting, and serious illness if not treated quickly.
- If untreated, the blood supply to the bowel can be cut off.
- This can lead to necrosis, where parts of the bowel tissue start to die.
- Necrosis is extremely dangerous and can cause life-threatening infections.
- In Nova’s case, delays in surgery led to large parts of her bowel dying.
- Once too much bowel is damaged, it can be impossible to survive.