A mother has claimed that her son “would still be alive” if a hospital in Glasgow had conducted infection tests. Caitlin Donald shared her emotional thoughts during the first day of the fatal accident inquiry regarding the tragic death of her son, Archie Donald, in 2018 at the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC) in Glasgow. Archie passed away on November 20, 2019, after falling victim to an infection.
During the inquiry at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Caitlin Donald expressed the ongoing pain of losing her three-year-old son, stating, “There is never a day that I wake up and don’t think of my happy, cheeky, smart little boy.” She reminisced about Archie’s bright personality and the impact he had on those around him, highlighting the void his absence has left in their lives.
Archie was diagnosed with congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS), a severe kidney condition, at birth. He underwent treatment and had one of his kidneys removed at an early age. Despite his health struggles, medical staff did not suspect bacterial endocarditis, the infection that ultimately led to his demise. Investigations revealed that a post-mortem identified bacterial endocarditis as the cause of death.
Dr. Heather Maxwell, a consultant paediatric nephrologist at RHC, admitted to missing crucial signs in Archie’s test results that could have indicated an underlying infection. She expressed deep regret for overlooking important information that could have prompted earlier intervention. Dr. Maxwell acknowledged her oversight and the need for more timely and thorough assessments of Archie’s deteriorating health.
The inquiry heard that Archie’s condition worsened during his final hospital admission, with delays in crucial tests and treatment contributing to the tragic outcome. Despite efforts to investigate his symptoms, Archie’s health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his untimely passing. His mother reflected on the challenges of understanding his death due to a preventable infection rather than his existing medical condition.
As the fatal accident inquiry continues, Caitlin Donald’s poignant statement resonates with the heartache and questions surrounding Archie’s passing. She emphasised the importance of recognising infections promptly to prevent similar tragedies, expressing a belief that her son could still be alive if appropriate measures had been taken earlier. The inquiry aims to shed light on the circumstances leading to Archie’s death and identify ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.