The death of a teenager with type 1 diabetes, who died after a GP misdiagnosis, was caused by neglect, a coroner has ruled.
Rosie Umney, from Herne Bay, died last year from complications of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA); a condition caused by a lack of sufficient insulin and often presenting alongside high blood glucose levels.
Rosie’s GP, Dr Sadaf Mangin, had seen her and diagnosed an ear infection instead of DKA.
In the events leading up to the sad passing, Rosie had complained to her grandfather that she felt unwell. Later that day, the 15-year-old began hyperventilating, was sick and complained of a pain in her side.
Her mother and grandmother took her straight to the GP for an emergency appointment, but stated to the GP that her glucose levels were normal.
Dr Sadaf Mangi carried out an examination, noted a heart rate of 140 beats per minute and prescribed treatment for an ear infection. That night, Rosie sadly passed away.
Speaking at a recent inquest over Rosie’s death in Canterbury, assistant coroner James Dillon said that Dr Mangi failed to follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.
Guidance to primary care staff is that, if people are short of breath, are sick and have high temperature, they should be referred to hospital.
Speaking at the inquest, Rosie’s granddad Michael Umney said: “I was amazed because I was sure she was going to say to go to hospital.
“I said to Georgia [Rosie’s mother], I didn’t feel happy about what Dr Mangi had diagnosed.”
Dr Mangi has admitted she had dismissed DKA because Rosie’s mother had stated that her blood glucose levels had been normal. Dr Mangi admitted she did not know the correct procedure to follow when a young person with type 1 diabetes presents with the symptoms that Rosie did.
In a statement to the family, Dr Mangi said: “I wanted to pass my condolences and apologise to the family of Rosie Umney.
“I would like to say to the family I deeply regret I fell short of my responsibilities as a GP. I whole-heartedly apologise.”
Picture credit: Mirror
