Full Breakdown
Inquest Reveals Failures in Care Leading to Zara Cheesman's Death from Meningitis
9/13/2025, 8:53:06 PM
Tragic Circumstances Surrounding Zara Cheesman's Death
Zara Cheesman, a 15-year-old girl, died from meningitis in December 2022 after an ambulance service failed to take her back to the hospital. An inquest revealed that Zara had been discharged from the Accident & Emergency department with a misdiagnosis of norovirus, despite presenting symptoms such as vomiting and neck pain. The inquest concluded that had she been transported back to the hospital, her chances of survival would have been significantly higher.
Official Responses and Acknowledgments of Failure
Susan Jevons, head of patient safety for East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), expressed deep regret over the incident, stating, "We failed Zara in life, we are not going to do that in death." Jevons assured Zara's family that changes would be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future. She emphasized the importance of learning from this case, noting that since Zara's passing, all children requiring hospital treatment have been successfully transported by ambulance crews.
Coroner's Findings and Future Implications
During the inquest, Coroner Elizabeth Didcock highlighted that Zara should have been conveyed back to the hospital after her initial visit. Jevons confirmed that there have been no similar incidents since Zara's death, indicating a commitment to improving patient care. The coroner is expected to deliver her verdict on the case soon, which may influence future protocols within the ambulance service.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the assurances from EMAS, the Cheesman family has expressed their dissatisfaction with the response to Zara's death. They have called for accountability and thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the ambulance service's decision-making process. The family's concerns reflect a broader issue regarding the adequacy of emergency medical services and their impact on patient outcomes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We failed Zara in life, we are not going to do that in death.” — Susan Jevons, Head of Patient Safety, EMAS
- “Because Zara had already had a presentation at the Queen's Medical Centre the day before, there would have been no question – she should have been conveyed back to hospital.” — Elizabeth Didcock, Coroner
Conclusion
The inquest into Zara Cheesman's death has brought to light significant failures within the ambulance service that contributed to her tragic outcome. As the coroner prepares to deliver her verdict, the case underscores the critical need for systemic changes in emergency medical protocols to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. The Cheesman family's call for accountability highlights the ongoing challenges faced by families seeking justice in the wake of medical failures.
