Overview
- The biopsy to test for Hirschsprung’s disease went ahead without recorded informed consent from Willow’s parents.
- The procedure was carried out in a treatment room described as lacking privacy and subject to frequent interruptions.
- Standard pre-procedure antibiotics were not given and doses were administered only afterward, preceding E. coli sepsis.
- Confusion between surgical and neonatal teams led to discharge about 10 hours after the biopsy despite surgeons expecting overnight observation.
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust acknowledged breaches on consent, antibiotics and same-day discharge, issued an apology and said clinical practice has changed as the family’s lawyers pursue a claim.