An inquest into the death of three-year-old Ryleigh Hillcoat Bee concluded today at Blackpool Coroner’s Court, finding that her death was caused by complications from rhabdomyolysis. The coroner, Alan Wilson, noted missed opportunities by Blackpool Victoria Hospital to properly investigate Ryleigh’s condition, which might have led to a timely diagnosis and treatment.
Missed Medical Opportunities
Coroner Wilson’s narrative conclusion highlighted that the hospital failed to scrutinize Ryleigh’s lack of mobility adequately before discharging her three months prior to her death. He emphasized that recognizing her deteriorating physical state as potentially linked to a neuromuscular problem could have altered the outcome.
Ryleigh was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where she was born, on August 9, 2021. Displaying lethargy and floppiness, her blood tests returned highly abnormal results, with creatine kinase (CK) levels soaring to 300,000—over 2,000 times the normal range of 100 to 140. Despite other red flag symptoms, including profound limb weakness and dark urine, Ryleigh was discharged just five days later without further investigation or treatment guidance for her parents.
Parental Pursuit of Justice
Ryleigh’s parents, 40-year-old accountant Andrew Hillcoat and 44-year-old civil servant Caroline Bee, are now pursuing a medical negligence claim against Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Representing the family, medical negligence solicitor Diane Rostron stated, “Today’s finding is deeply upsetting for Ryleigh’s parents, Andrew and Caroline. Ryleigh was still significantly unwell when discharged, displaying clear symptoms of rhabdomyolysis.”
Rostron added, “This condition, while potentially fatal if untreated, has a high survival rate with proper management. The hospital was advised to seek specialist input during Ryleigh’s admission but failed to do so, resulting in missed critical care instructions and a lack of proper guidance for her parents.
Timeline of Tragedy
Ryleigh was discharged with profound limb weakness and was unable to walk, regaining mobility only 11 days later. She tragically passed away on November 8, 2021, just three months after her discharge.
Andrew Hillcoat and Caroline Bee expressed their devastation, saying, “We are very upset at the loss of our little girl. Fighting for a full inquest into her death has been a long and traumatizing journey. We believe Ryleigh should still be here today, but she was not given any chance of survival.”
Ongoing Legal Action
The family, alongside their legal team, believes that Ryleigh’s death was preventable and is committed to holding the hospital accountable. “We believe that identifying and managing rhabdomyolysis properly could have saved Ryleigh’s life,” Rostron concluded.
As the investigation and legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of thorough medical evaluation and prompt specialist consultation in complex cases.
