A&E did not get the basics right - now my son's life is ruined at 32
Oli's experience is one of a growing number of clinical negligence claims being made in England, BBC analysis shows.
In May 2024, Oli Coppock, a 32-year-old man, visited Warrington Hospital's emergency department after experiencing severe headaches and dizziness following a brain tumour treatment. He underwent tests and assessments but was not given a brain scan, a crucial decision that ultimately led to his life being ruined. A week later, he suffered a cardiac arrest due to fluid buildup in his brain, and despite medical efforts, he never recovered, living with almost complete paralysis.
Oli's family, including his father Stephen, is devastated by the consequences of the hospital's negligence. The hospital has acknowledged the breach of duty in not ordering the necessary scans, which would have likely prevented the tragic outcome. Oli's life has been left in almost complete paralysis, with his breathing, feeding, and toileting managed through tubes.
He can only communicate by blinking. Stephen, Oli's father, blames the hospital for failing to provide the basic level of care required, a failure that has ruined his son's life. The number of clinical negligence claims related to A&E care in England has risen by 41% over the past five years, highlighting the growing pressures and long delays experienced in emergency departments.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
