A three-year-old girl, Ryleigh Hillcoat-Bee, tragically passed away three months after being discharged from A&E, following what the coroner described as “missed opportunities” by medical staff to address her unusual condition.

Ryleigh fell ill while on holiday in North Wales and was taken to the hospital, where her blood results showed “extraordinarily high” potassium and creatine kinase levels, indicating a severe muscle issue and potential rhabdomyolysis. Despite this, she was discharged.

In November 2021, Ryleigh’s condition worsened, and she was rushed to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where she suffered a heart attack and passed away.

At an inquest, Blackpool’s district coroner, Alan Wilson, highlighted missed chances to investigate her limited mobility prior to her August discharge. Medical negligence attorney Diane Rostron noted, “The hospital was given clear advice… to get specialist advice from a neuromuscular specialist.”

Rostron emphasized that if the hospital had sought specialist input, they could have “diagnosed rhabdomyolysis” and informed the family, allowing them to explore treatment options.