A MUM has described how her daughter was discharged from hospital with dehydration despite having blood “oozing from her eyes” – before tragically passing away hours later.
Sophie Ward, 20, had unknowingly contracted meningitis – which doctors had informed her she did not have.
At an inquest into her death this week, Sophie’s heartbroken mum Alice said she developed a temperature of 38.6C and began shivering the day before she died.
A concerned Alice called 111 just after 2pm, and was advised to rush her daughter to Barnet Hospital.
The pair arrived to “quite a chaotic” A&E at around 3.30pm and quickly alerted staff about a suspected meningitis infection.
However, Sophie wasn’t seen for a further two hours – one hour and 45 minutes longer than the recommended wait time under the circumstances, the jury was told.
The unwell 20-year-old was then sent for urine and blood tests – before being eventually seen by a doctor at 7.15pm, nearly five hours after the initial 111 call.
The doctor said the tests were clear and, following a clear CT scan, concluded that Sophie had a 90 per cent likelihood of being free from infection.
No lumbar puncture (spinal tap) was carried out, however – the main test used to diagnose meningitis – according to teacher Alice.
Instead, doctors suggested she was experiencing dehydration and told her to go home as it was “safer not to keep her in hospital as she could pick up other infections.”
The mum and daughter eventually left Barnet Hospital at 10pm.
But, just four hours later, Sophie was “violently sick all over the carpet,” and had three bouts of diarrhoea.
Her temperature had soared to 39.4C, with Alice trying desperately to cool her down with towels and a fan.
At 7am, she returned to find her daughter “covered in a textbook purple rash” on her neck and back with “white and puffy” lips.
Sophie had texted her friend saying “she had never felt so ill in her life”.
As the ambulance arrived, Alice recalled that blood was seeping from her daughter’s eyes.
Over the following hours, Sophie had severe organ failure and her heart was restarted three times.
A doctor told Alice and and Sophie’s dad Paul that “they could not keep her heart going,” and “would stop trying” – and she tragically died at 4.30pm.
The inquest into Sophie’s death, which occurred on July 31 2023, began on Monday (February 17).
The nurse who triaged Sophie on July 30 was called to give evidence, and stood by their decision to wait two hours, rather than 15 minutes.
In a response described as “clear as mud” by the coroner, they said they could not remember whether a doctor had been called to check on Sophie during this time, despite a second opinion being common practice.
In a tribute to her daughter, Alice told the court: “Sophie was a young woman, almost 21-years-old. Sophie was a daughter, a sister, a niece and a cousin to members of her family.
“She was dearly loved and gave and received so much joy to her family who knew her so well. As a young child Sophie was quiet and shy in family gatherings.
“She was happy, so happy, in childhood, at her grandparents’ house and in the garden of her own house.
“Sophie was the middle sibling and enjoyed playing with her brother and sister at all stages of her childhood, she grew confidence and became more outgoing among her family.
“She was admired by all for her tenderness, her sincerity, her kindness, and her beauty.”
She continued: “As a young woman at age of 16 she became adventurous and outgoing, with a wide circle of friends whose company she cherished.
“After AS levels she completed an art foundation course at Ravensbourne College. Tutors noted courage, diligence, and a highly personalised content of art.
Meningitis, is an uncommon but serious illness that can cause life-threatening complications and even death.
It is triggered by the meningococcal bacteria.
It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Meningitis can attack the lining of the brain and spinal cord and, in some cases, cause a serious blood infection (sepsis).
Early symptoms of meningitis can sometimes be similar to those of the flu, but they can progress quickly and can be fatal.
Symptoms of meningitis develop suddenly and can include:
These symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear.
When to get medical help
You should get medical advice as soon as possible if you’re concerned that you or your child could have meningitis.
Trust your instincts, and don’t wait until a rash develops.
Phone 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department immediately if you think you or your child might be seriously ill.
Phone 111 or your GP practice for advice if you’re not sure if it’s anything serious or you think you may have been exposed to someone with meningitis.
How meningitis is spread
Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis.
Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through:
Meningitis is usually caught from people who carry these viruses or bacteria in their nose or throat but aren’t ill themselves.
It can also be caught from someone with meningitis, but this is less common.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis.
These include the:
“[She] worked for a year as an au pair in Paris, responsible for three young children, and took responsibilities in her stride.
“She came home from Paris and when she spoke French, sounded like a native. She looked like a Parisian, glamorous and chic. Twenty was the happiest year of Sophie’s life.
“Her ideas, imagination, skill, drive and encouragement of other students was admired by tutors and other students.
“She had an esteem and admiration from all who knew her at Wimbledon College Of Arts. She’s greatly missed by students and staff at the course, especially by her housemates.
“Her death was preventable and tragic, pain and sorrow that cannot be softened. She was loved and no good comes from her death, but change must come about in hospital diagnoses and protocols.
“Her family pray she’s in the presence of God. May our lives honour the wonderful Sophie.”
A JustGiving fundraiser, set up by Sophie’s dad Paul in October 2023 for Meningitis Now, has so far raised more than £20,000.
After cycling round the Isle of Wight to raise funds in 2023, Paul undertook a second challenge last year – of cycling from London to Brighton – in what he described as “our last tribute to Sophie”.
He wrote: “May the Lord bless her and keep her. We remembered the Wonderful Sophie. Artist, daughter, sister friend. Fearless and gentle. Creative without end.”
The Sun has contacted the Royal Free NHS Trust, which runs Barnet Hospital, for comment.
JAMES Bond fans will “have to wait THREE years” for the next 007 instalment amid ongoing legal issues.
The film‘s former director Martin Campbell, who worked on Casino Royale and GoldenEye, said the British spy film could take as long as 2028 before it hits the big screen.
The ex director said the delay is also due to the legal battles with streaming platform Amazon, who owns MGM – the film studio that makes Bond films.
Martin told The Mirror: “I think it’ll be two years away, three years away.
“Is there going to be another Bond? That’s the question. There’s this legal thing right now. And they have this problem with Amazon. It’s sort of the same thing.”
It was reported that the upcoming film had been put on hold amid an ongoing feud between Amazon and the film’s producer Barbara Broccoli.
Barbara, 64, was reportedly left furious and called those at Amazon were “f*****g idiots” saying streaming service Prime Video is not suitable for the spy franchise, according to the Wall Street Journal.
But Martin has revealed that the new movie will appear on the big screen before streaming – and there will be no TV series spin off.
He said: “Barbara will absolutely stick to her guns and say this is a theatrical experience.
“This is not going to go to streaming immediately. Bond is always an event picture.”
There has been massive global speculation about who will play the next James Bond.
And it comes just days after James Norton addressed rumours that ‘he’s set to be the next James Bond’, on the BAFTAs red carpet, after fans spotted ‘clues.’
James spoke to TV presenter Alex Zane, and said: “Whoever is deciding on these odds needs to get a new job. It’s so weird and bemusing.”
Actor James made the comment when told he was the bookies’ favourite to take on the role of 007 next.
James, 39, continued: “Yet again it’s based on pure speculation. It makes for a good clickbait moment in the media but other than that, it’s fun and bemusing I guess.”
He also commented on the moment fans thought they’d ‘confirmed’ that Norton was the next bond.
It happened when they spotted a major clue in a TV show that James was starring in.
Eagle-eyed Benedict and Hannah Townsend run a TV podcast together and they are certain James has signed on the dotted line.
The couple think they stumbled upon a big giveaway clue while watching ITV new hit drama Playing Nice, which stars Happy Valley and Grantchester star James.
In the third episode of the series, James’ character Pete Riley is at a gala event.
But while the rest of the attendees are wearing swanky tuxedos, James is not. He is in a plain suit.
Hannah asked their Talk Of The Townsends’ followers on TikTok: “Are you watching brand new TV drama Playing Nice? And if you are, did you notice this?”
Benedict continued: “James Norton is in the show and he has long been rumoured to be the next James Bond.
“Now, every James Bond has in their contract they cannot wear a tuxedo in any other media while they are James Bond.
“There’s a scene in the third episode of Playing Nice where they’re at a gala and every single man in that room is wearing a tuxedo except James Norton, who was wearing a regular suit.
“Now, admittedly his character is meant to be sort of humbled, so it could just be some kind of character-related wardrobe.”
Hannah chimed in: “But it could be that maybe he is going to be the next James Bond.”
Benedict continued: “He might have signed the contracts already and might be precluded from wearing a tux.”
He goes on: “It’s only after you’ve signed the contract. So Daniel Craig can wear a tux now in a movie. But you didn’t see him in a tux the entire time he played James Bond.”
Addressing this at the BAFTAs, James said: “I mean if that’s not evidence to seal the deal, I don’t know what is. I mean, it has nothing to do with the fact that the character felt uncomfortable wearing a tux and felt low key.
“That’s obviously irrelevant. What can I say? Undeniable. You got me. Whoever spotted that, ten points.”
Meanwhile Cleaner actor Taz Skylar is also in the running to play the iconic British spy.
While Babylon star Stuart Martin is also said to be popular to replace Daniel Craig in the 007 franchise.
RONAN Keating has shared an emotional tribute for his eldest daughter.
The Boyzone star’s daughter Missy celebrated her 24th birthday halfway across the world yesterday.
Missy is currently living out her dream in New York to become an actress and recently landed a gig in Symptom Studios’ first short film, titled JOHN.
Ronan took to Instagram to dedicate a post for his beloved daughter on her big day.
The No Matter What star shared some gorgeous snaps from fond memories he has with Missy – from sipping on champagne on a helicopter to chilling at home together.
Ronan wrote out a heartfelt message in the caption of the post that said: “Oh my eldest baby girl. Where have the 24 years gone.
“Happiest of birthdays sweetheart. Storm and I are so proud of the woman you are and all that you want to be.
“Missing you a lot and tough to not be with you right now. But you are where you need to be doing what you were born to do. Love you always. Quiet on set!”
Ronan’s fans all loved his tribute and raced to the comment section with their birthday wishes.
Missy replied: “Awww thank you Dad. All these pictures are so special, love the throwbacks! We’ll raise glass soon. Love and miss you so much.”
Robin wrote: “Happy birthday and what wonderful pictures.”
Another fan added: “Happy birthday to your beautiful daughter @missyykeating. Beautiful sets of pictures.”
Caroline added: “So grown! Happy, happy birthday.”
The 24-year-old’s mum Yvonne Connolly, who’s Ronan’s ex-wife, shared her own tribute.
She said: “It’s been a privilege to watch your adventures journey over the past 24 years.
“I love you SO much and I’m beyond proud of the hardworking talented woman that you are.”
While Ronan’s wife Storm posted an adorable video of their young kids Cooper and Coco singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Missy.
The Australian native then wrote: “We all love you so much. We miss your heart in our every day… and all the fun times!
“And of course your laughs. I’ll always walk beside you (or behind you) no matter where you are in your life or in the world.”
JOSEPH PARKER has a cheat meal which often forces restaurants to close and can leave waitresses stunned.
The boxer is preparing to take on Daniel Dubois in a heavyweight clash on Saturday – his second shot at winning a world title after losing to Anthony Joshua in 2018.
Parker has changed his diet to eat more fish, lean pork and chicken, having moved away from red meat as a method to bulk up.
His coach and nutritionist George Lockhart revealed Parker eats up to 7,000 calories a day and has fish three or four times a week, and again for his cheat meal on Sundays.
Parker, 33, can eat up to 40 pieces of sushi in a sitting and it can take so long the restaurant has to close up.
Lockhart said in an interview with Action Network: “For Joseph, we have Sushi Sundays. He’ll do a 24-hour fast, starting with an anaerobic workout and finishing the fast with an aerobic, high-volume, low-intensity workout.
“This method helps the body lean out while preserving muscle mass, as it avoids depleting calories over the week. It also improves how efficiently the body uses carbohydrates.
“On Sushi Sundays, we go to a spot where they sometimes close the place just for us because of how long we take. Joseph can eat up to 40 pieces of sushi and sashimi, it’s unreal.
“We started this tradition in Ireland, and I remember a waitress saying, ‘this is meant for 10 people.’ Fifteen minutes later, every plate was cleared. I’d say sushi is Joseph Parker’s ultimate guilty pleasure.”
Parker is a big fan of fish and has eaten it raw previously – biting into a whole fish to get his protein hit.
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When asked what his favourite Kiwi meal is in a video shared by DAZN Boxing, Parker admitted that he likes to “eat fish straight out of the water”.
One video captured Parker munching on a fish over a bucket, which left fans feeling queasy.
