Amber Milnes, a vibrant five-year-old, faced unexpected tragedy following a common surgical procedure.
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In a deeply saddening event, the family of five-year-old Amber Milnes is grappling with grief after her sudden demise just days post a routine tonsillectomy. Scheduled at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, this procedure aimed to address her sleep apnoea condition.
The family believed they were taking a step towards better health, but what followed was a heartbreaking turn of events.
Amber, affectionately known as ‘Bam’ by her loved ones, was described as the “happiest little girl” who filled their lives with joy.
Her parents, Lewis and Sereta Milnes, recalled her infectious laughter and love for music. She was their “magical little princess,” whose spirit shone brightly even during challenging times, such as her ongoing struggles with a rare condition called cyclical vomiting syndrome.
The surgery and its aftermath
On the day of the surgery, Amber arrived at the hospital around noon and underwent the operation later that afternoon. Initially, her parents expected her to stay overnight due to her medical history, which included episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. To their surprise, Amber was discharged just hours after the surgery, a decision that would later haunt them.
Upon returning home, Amber began experiencing distressing symptoms. Early on the following day, she started to vomit repeatedly, prompting her parents to contact the hospital for guidance. They were advised to monitor her condition and to return if her symptoms did not improve. Unfortunately, the situation escalated quickly, with Amber experiencing approximately twenty episodes of vomiting throughout the following day.
Emergency care and complications
By the evening, Amber was readmitted to the hospital for urgent care. It was during this visit that she was diagnosed with a chest infection. Despite receiving intravenous medication, her condition worsened. A critical moment occurred when the intravenous line failed around midnight, leaving her unable to receive essential medications due to her ongoing vomiting. This delay in treatment lasted for over fourteen hours, during which Amber was deprived of fluids and necessary medical support.
Tragically, the situation culminated in an unexpected hemorrhage around 3 am on a subsequent day. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, Amber could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead shortly after.
Inquest findings and family reflections
The inquest into Amber’s untimely death revealed shocking details surrounding her treatment and the decisions made post-surgery. Dr. Andrew Bamber, a consultant in pediatric pathology, determined that the cause of death was a massive hemorrhage likely linked to an infection at the surgical site. The surgeon, Kel Anyanwu, who performed the operation, expressed that in his lengthy career, he had never encountered a death resulting from a tonsillectomy. He characterized Amber’s case as exceptionally rare and stated that the consent form did not mention the risk of death, leading to questions about the hospital’s protocols.
Amber’s parents had previously voiced concerns that their daughter needed to stay in the hospital post-operation due to her unique medical needs. They recounted the sorrow of watching their daughter endure so much pain and how she bravely faced her health challenges from a young age. In their statements to the court, they described how Amber was not just a daughter but a source of light and love within their home.
The impact of loss
This tragic incident has left a profound impact on the Milnes family and the community. The loss of a child is an unbearable burden that no parent should have to endure. Amber’s story serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities surrounding medical procedures, even those deemed routine. It highlights the importance of thorough pre-operative assessments and post-operative care, particularly for patients with complex medical histories.
As the inquest continues, Amber’s family hopes that their experience will bring about necessary changes in hospital protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future. They remember their daughter’s vibrant spirit and cherish the joyful moments they shared, determined to honor her memory by advocating for better healthcare practices.
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