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The Patients Association is deeply concerned by the findings of the report into the death of baby William Mead. The report highlighted how failures by William’s GP, outof-hours NHS services and NHS 111 all contributed to William’s avoidable death.

This tragic case raises serious concerns about the standards of out-of-hours care in the NHS and its 111 service. In 2013, research carried out by the Patients Association found that over three quarters of patients said they wouldn’t feel safe relying on NHS out-of-hours care in an emergency. 

Katherine Murphy, Chief Executive of the Patients Association said:

“The Patients Association would like to extend our condolences to the family of William Mead. We know what a tragic loss this must be for them. William’s avoidable death mirrors exactly what happened to Sam Morrish, who also died of sepsis in 2011. The loss of a child is devastating, particularly when there has been such a catalogue of failings by NHS services, as there were in both these cases.

What is most concerning about this case is the number of missed opportunities that there were to help baby William. It is particularly concerning that both William’s GP and NHS 111 services failed to recognise the seriousness of William’s condition. At the time of Sam Moorish’s death, the Patients Association received assurances that NHS 111 advisors would receive better training and support to help them spot serious conditions. It is clear that four years on, the same mistakes have been allowed to happen again, resulting in the death of a child that could have been avoided.”

Notes to Editors: 

Read the Patients Association report: “Primary Care: Access Denied” here:

http://www.patients-association.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/PCR_Vol-II_Access_Denied_Final.pdf

The Patients Association is an independent national health and social care charity established over 52 years ago, which has a long history of campaigning to ensure that the voice of patients is heard within the UK Health and Social care system.

For further information please contact Matthew Tisi, Communications & Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8423 9111, or email matthew@patients-association.com or call 07779 004898

Visit our website at www.patients-association.org.uk