A family’s tragedy highlights the urgent need for changes in antibiotic access
Southport: A heartbreaking story unfolded when a two-year-old girl named Ava tragically lost her life due to a common infection. Her parents, Adam and Jade Hodgkinson, took her to the doctor after she developed a cough, hoping for the best.
Unfortunately, there was a nationwide shortage of the antibiotic she needed because of a Strep A outbreak. The doctor prescribed a different antibiotic, amoxicillin, but when Adam went to pick it up, the pharmacy was out of the right dosage.
They managed to get a new prescription the next morning, but by then, Ava’s condition had worsened. Just hours after taking her first dose, she went into cardiac arrest while being rushed to the hospital.
This week, an inquest revealed that the government is considering changes to allow pharmacists to provide alternative medications when the prescribed ones are unavailable. The coroner plans to send a report to the Health Secretary to push for these changes.
After the inquest, Ava’s parents expressed their deep sorrow, describing her as a gentle and loving child. They emphasized the need for better access to urgent treatments, stating that no other child should face what Ava did.
They were supported by medical negligence lawyers during this difficult time. One of the solicitors noted the family’s incredible strength and hope that Ava’s story will lead to changes that protect other children in the future.
