A&E did not get the basics right - now my son's life is ruined at 32
Summary
Oli Coppock went to Warrington Hospital emergency department in May 2024 with bad headaches and dizziness but was sent home without a brain scan. A week later, fluid built up in his brain, causing a cardiac arrest that left him nearly completely paralyzed. The hospital has admitted it failed to provide proper care, which has led to a rise in similar negligence claims in England.Key Facts
- Oli had previously been treated for a brain tumour and had multiple sclerosis but was otherwise healthy.
- At the emergency department, no brain scan was done despite his symptoms and medical history.
- A week later, swelling in Oli’s brain caused a cardiac arrest, leaving him paralyzed and able to communicate only by blinking.
- The hospital trust admitted it breached its duty by not ordering a CT brain scan that could have prevented this outcome.
- The family says the delay has caused great suffering and ruined Oli’s life and theirs.
- There has been a 41% increase in emergency department clinical negligence claims in England over the past five years.
- A&E is now the biggest area for clinical negligence claims, with over 1,600 cases in 2025-26 and costs exceeding £550 million.
- Lawyers link the rise in claims to long delays and pressure in emergency departments.
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