The family of Ryleigh Hillcoat-Bee, a three-year-old girl who tragically passed away from a rare disease, is understandably outraged.
Ryleigh had been diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a condition that causes muscle breakdown. This rare illness, affecting just one in 200,000 people in the UK, ultimately led to her death due to complications.
Before her release from the hospital after a five-day stay, Blackpool and Fylde coroner Alan Wilson determined that the medical team treating Ryleigh had missed critical warning signs.
By the time she was discharged, the opportunity to fully investigate her lack of movement had been lost. Tragically, she passed away three months later.
Medical professionals should have recognized that her deteriorating condition might have been linked to a neuromuscular issue.
Ryleigh had been admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where tests revealed unusual blood readings, including extremely high levels of Creatine Kinase, which strongly suggested muscle damage. However, the medical team diagnosed her with either hepatitis or a chest infection. She appeared lethargic and weak.
According to the Blackpool Gazette, Coroner Wilson stated that he would seek evidence from the doctors who treated Ryleigh at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
“Clear advice had been given to the hospital… to consult a neuromuscular specialist,” said medical malpractice lawyer Diane Rostron. She added that if the hospital had followed this recommendation, Ryleigh’s condition could have been properly diagnosed as rhabdomyolysis, allowing the family to explore more treatment options.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ryleigh Hillcoat-Bee and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family. We hope they find the peace they so deeply deserve, and that Ryleigh rests in peace.
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