Doctor failed to order scan that could have saved two-year-old girl's life

The failure of a doctor to order a 15-minute scan on a two-year-old girl displaying signs of a brain tumour “contributed to her death”, a coroner has ruled.

Dr Andrew Harris said there had been a “gross failure to provide medical care” by consultant paediatrician Dr Majeed Jawad in his treatment of Keira Lee in October 2013, at the private Spire Gatwick Park hospital in Surrey.

She died six weeks later in King’s College hospital after surgery to remove a 5cm tumour, which may not have been needed if it was spotted earlier.

Dr Harris, in a narrative verdict at Southwark coroner’s court last Thursday, said: “The failure of the paediatrician to refer for a scan at the end of October contributed to her death.”

Keira’s parents, Tim and Kirsty Lee, who live near Horsley, said: “The death of our beautiful daughter Keira is obviously totally devastating for us.

“Whilst the inquest was emotionally difficult, we hope it has helped to raise awareness of childhood brain tumours and maybe save lives in the future.” During his evidence, Dr Jawad apologised to the family for failing to diagnose the tumour.

He admitted he had been ignorant of Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health guidelines on treating brain tumours, and failed to order neurological checks despite Keira displaying “red flag symptoms”.

Dr Harris expressed concern at the lack of specialist paediatric nurses in the post-operative area at King’s. He is to demand immediate action from hospital bosses as he fears the shortage means there is a risk of future deaths.

Joanna Hunter, divisional head of nursing for critical care at King’s, told the hearing that the hospital remained in breach of Royal College of Nursing guidelines 16 months after Keira’s death.

She said she was trying to recruit two specialist nurses but admitted five were needed to ensure 24/7 cover. King’s said there was a national shortage of paediatric nurse specialists. “Until these posts are filled, we have a paediatric nurse seconded into the department,” a spokeswoman said.

Dr Jawad told the Standard: “I would again like to extend my deepest sympathy to Keira’s family. I accept the findings made by the coroner and sincerely hope the inquest has provided Keira’s parents with answers.”

The Lee family is raising awareness of brain tumours at loveukeira.co.uk