A vibrant and typically healthy college student tragically passed away in excruciating pain after medical staff dismissed her symptoms, labeling her as a “time-waster,” as revealed by her grieving mother during an inquest.
Libby Instone, a 20-year-old from Billingham, Teesside, who had been experiencing persistent vomiting, eventually collapsed and passed away. Despite visiting an urgent care center three times within a day, she was diagnosed with gastroenteritis before her untimely death in August 2023.
During the inquest held by Teesside Coroner Clare Bailey in Middlesbrough, it was disclosed that Libby, a law student at Newcastle University aspiring to become a barrister, succumbed to a small intestinal infarction.
Susan Instone, Libby’s mother, recounted that her daughter started vomiting and experiencing intense pain after returning from a trip to London with her boyfriend on August 16. Despite seeking medical attention at North Tees Hospital Urgent Care Centre, where she received anti-sickness medication but was not thoroughly examined, Libby’s condition continued to deteriorate.
Subsequently, Libby’s parents took her back to the urgent care center after she vomited black liquid, and later to an emergency department where she was put on a drip and received pain relief. However, after being admitted to a ward, Libby’s health continued to decline.
Tragically, despite efforts to seek appropriate care, Libby collapsed and was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved. In the aftermath of her passing, it was revealed that medical staff had overlooked crucial symptoms, leading to missed opportunities for timely intervention that could have saved her life.
Dr. Michael Stewart, the group chief medical officer for North Tees and Hartlepool and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, expressed deep regret for the lapses in Libby’s care and acknowledged the missed chances for a successful treatment.
The inquest highlighted the presence of confirmation bias in maintaining the diagnosis of gastroenteritis, shedding light on the need for a reevaluation of medical practices to avoid such tragic outcomes. The coroner was expected to deliver her findings on Monday afternoon.
