Tragic Outcome: 5-Year-Old Girl Dies After Doctor Sends Her Away for Being Five Minutes Late

Experiencing a sick child is a nightmare for any parent. Despite providing love and care, when medical attention is required, we rely on doctors to help.

On January 26, 2015, Ellie-May Clark, a five-year-old girl, had an asthma attack. Her mother, Shanice Clark, urgently called the doctors for a home visit.

Although a home visit wasn’t feasible, Ellie-May was scheduled for an emergency appointment at the Grange Clinic in Newport, Wales, with a 25-minute window for arrival.

Due to transportation challenges, Shanice and Ellie-May arrived five minutes late and were delayed further in the reception queue. Consequently, they were denied medical attention by Dr. Joanne Rowe, who had a strict policy against patients arriving more than ten minutes late.

Shanice recalls her daughter questioning why the doctor wouldn’t see her. The hospital claimed they were 18 minutes late, a statement disputed by Shanice.

Despite Shanice’s distress, Dr. Rowe declined to see Ellie-May without inquiring about her condition or reviewing her medical history, instructing Shanice to return the next day.

Regrettably, Ellie-May passed away later that evening due to complications from bronchial asthma, raising concerns about the missed opportunity for timely medical intervention.

While it remains uncertain whether earlier intervention could have altered the outcome, the coroner emphasized the systemic failure that led to Ellie-May being denied essential medical care.

Dr. Rowe’s decision drew criticism for its lack of a comprehensive strategy to handle emergency cases. The coroner pledged to address this oversight to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

No excuse can ease Shanice’s grief over the tragic loss of her daughter. The heartbreaking incident underscores the importance of timely medical attention for every child in need. Let’s learn from this tragedy to ensure no child is ever turned away without the care they urgently require.