Post by voice on Feb 10, 2009 22:59:42 GMT
Starving girl was not seen by GP
Sophie Waller had an extreme phobia of dentists, an inquest was told
An eight-year-old girl from Cornwall who starved herself to death was not seen by doctors, an inquest in Truro has heard.
Sophie Waller from St Dennis is thought to have had such a severe phobia of dentists that she refused to open her mouth after having eight teeth removed.
She died of acute renal failure caused by starvation and dehydration.
An inquest heard that two days before her death, her parents told doctors she was eating and drinking small amounts.
After the operation on 9 November 2005, Sophie would not open her mouth to eat or talk and was given a feeding tube on the ward.
She was discharged on 17 November and was taken home on the understanding a bed would still be waiting for her in hospital.
Psychological problems
Despite attempts to feed her and contact with a psychologist, Sophie's health deteriorated. She could hardly walk, her hair was falling out and her spine was visible through her skin.
Sophie, who lost 24lb (11kg) in the month before she died, was found dead in her bed at home on 2 December.
Her parents told the inquest that four days before Sophie's death they rang the hospital to say they were bringing her back in but were told they could not.
Sophie's treatment
7 November: Sophie admitted to hospital for dental operation
9 November: Sophie given feeding tube after refusing to eat
17 November: Sophie discharged from hospital
2 December: Sophie found dead at home
On 28 November, Sophie's father Richard Waller said the hospital refused to take Sophie back and instead referred them back to Dr Kerry Davison, a community child psychologist.
Dr Davison told the inquest she understood that staff had discussed Sophie's physical condition and decided the problem was "psychological".
She spoke to Sophie's parents and told them to visit their GP.
The couple told the inquest the GP prescribed "build-up drinks" over the phone but did not see Sophie
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/cornwall/7881965.stm
this is so fecking sad
Sophie Waller had an extreme phobia of dentists, an inquest was told
An eight-year-old girl from Cornwall who starved herself to death was not seen by doctors, an inquest in Truro has heard.
Sophie Waller from St Dennis is thought to have had such a severe phobia of dentists that she refused to open her mouth after having eight teeth removed.
She died of acute renal failure caused by starvation and dehydration.
An inquest heard that two days before her death, her parents told doctors she was eating and drinking small amounts.
After the operation on 9 November 2005, Sophie would not open her mouth to eat or talk and was given a feeding tube on the ward.
She was discharged on 17 November and was taken home on the understanding a bed would still be waiting for her in hospital.
Psychological problems
Despite attempts to feed her and contact with a psychologist, Sophie's health deteriorated. She could hardly walk, her hair was falling out and her spine was visible through her skin.
Sophie, who lost 24lb (11kg) in the month before she died, was found dead in her bed at home on 2 December.
Her parents told the inquest that four days before Sophie's death they rang the hospital to say they were bringing her back in but were told they could not.
Sophie's treatment
7 November: Sophie admitted to hospital for dental operation
9 November: Sophie given feeding tube after refusing to eat
17 November: Sophie discharged from hospital
2 December: Sophie found dead at home
On 28 November, Sophie's father Richard Waller said the hospital refused to take Sophie back and instead referred them back to Dr Kerry Davison, a community child psychologist.
Dr Davison told the inquest she understood that staff had discussed Sophie's physical condition and decided the problem was "psychological".
She spoke to Sophie's parents and told them to visit their GP.
The couple told the inquest the GP prescribed "build-up drinks" over the phone but did not see Sophie
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/cornwall/7881965.stm
this is so fecking sad
