A vibrant and typically healthy university student tragically passed away in excruciating pain after feeling dismissed by medical professionals, her mother revealed during an inquest.
Libby Instone, a 20-year-old from Billingham, Teesside, who was studying law at Newcastle University with aspirations of becoming a barrister, had been experiencing persistent vomiting before collapsing and succumbing to her condition in August 2023 due to an infarction of her small intestine, as detailed by Teesside Coroner Clare Bailey.
Following a trip to London, Libby began feeling unwell, prompting her mother, Susan Instone, to seek medical help. Despite visiting the North Tees Hospital Urgent Care Centre three times within a day, Libby was diagnosed with gastroenteritis and sent home. Subsequently, her health deteriorated, leading to her being rushed back to the urgent care center and eventually to an accident and emergency unit after vomiting black liquid.
Despite being admitted to a hospital ward, Libby’s condition worsened, and she tragically passed away after collapsing. Her mother recounted the distressing experience of feeling disregarded by medical staff and the subsequent revelation that critical opportunities for diagnosis and treatment were missed.
An independent medical expert, engaged by the coroner, highlighted the failure to recognize alarming symptoms and the missed chances for necessary interventions. Dr. Michael Stewart from North Tees and Hartlepool and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust acknowledged the lapses in Libby’s care and extended a sincere apology for the errors.
The inquest revealed a concerning pattern of confirmation bias in maintaining the initial diagnosis of gastroenteritis. The coroner was expected to deliver her findings on the matter shortly.