Overview

• Audsrey Newman, admitted to Stepping Hill Hospital on November 11 after a seizure, was treated for suspected encephalitis she did not have.
• The inquest found she died from recognised risks of acyclovir, an antiviral started in line with guidelines for suspected encephalitis.
• A crucial lumbar puncture was delayed for a week due to a lack of competent ward doctors and no consultant taking ownership.
• When the test was finally done, results were negative for encephalitis, and Ms Newman died on November 24 after developing severe renal failure.
• Assistant coroner Andrew Bridgeman’s report highlights the absence of a formal referral pathway to secure help for lumbar punctures, noting current escalation is informal, and the trust says it is reviewing the concerns and will respond.