The investigation into Aoife Johnston’s death, a young girl who lost her life after waiting over 15 hours for antibiotics that could have potentially saved her life if administered promptly, has returned a verdict of medical malpractice. This tragic incident was highlighted on Wednesday at the Coroner’s Court in Limerick, which affirmed the high likelihood of Ms Johnston’s survival if she had received timely and appropriate antibiotic treatment.
On the night of December 17th, 2022, Ms Johnston was admitted at the University Hospital Limerick (UHL) with possible sepsis symptoms, yet she was made to wait more than 15 hours for crucial antibiotic administration. Despite being ranked as a Category 2 patient which mandates medical examination within 10 to 15 minutes, she experienced a significant delay in getting the necessary care.
Dr Patrick Stapleton, a senior microbiologist at UHL, stated in court that the infection in Ms Johnston’s body, caused by meningococcus, would have reacted to antibiotics which could be provided through a variety of treatments.
Sadly, Ms Johnston succumbed to her illness on December 19th at UHL. Dr Terezia Lazlo, a pathologist, stated the official cause of death as purulent meningitis.
During the fateful weekend when Ms Johnston sought help, the emergency ward was significantly overrun, with eyewitnesses recounting a “chaotic” atmosphere similar to a war-zone. Dr James Gray, the consultant for emergency medicine on call during that weekend, “Aoife Johnston stood no chance,” he mournfully testified during the inquiry on Thursday.
Further updates will follow in due course.