A couple have been rendered devastated after their 20-year-old son lost his life after doctors falsely diagnosed his septicaemia, Lemierre syndrome, as ‘tonsilitis’.
An amateur footballer has died from a flesh-eating virus, just days after doctors incorrectly diagnosed him with tonsillitis.
Luke Abrahams’ parents have slammed the doctors for a “catalogue of errors”, believing that their mistakes cost their son his life.
Last month the 20-year-old started to struggle with a raging throat and consequently booked an appointment with his GP, who prescribed him with antibiotics.
However, Luke’s condition began to worsen and the railway engineer suddenly suffered from severe leg pains.
This concerned his Mum and Dad, who, fearing something was amiss, took him to hospital, where they claim medical experts simply sent him home. Abrahams’ agony only worsened, claiming he “couldn’t take the pain” any longer.
He was rushed into surgery at Northampton General Hospital but died on the operating table on January 23.
A post-mortem examination revealed he had been suffering from septicaemia, Lemierre syndrome.
His heartbroken parents, Richard Abrahams, 60 and Julie Needham, 49, from Northmapton are now considering suing the NHS.
Richard, a manager at Currys, said: “No one has taken any responsibility over his death.
“I can’t say whether he would definitely be here now, but they cut corners and misdiagnosed him.
Luke was initially diagnosed with tonsillitis on January 15. Two days later, he still felt unwell, so Luke phoned his GP but couldn’t get through.
The operator advised Luke to go to A&E where he was told he would be put on an intravenous drip. However, his family say this never happened.
The next day, Luke woke up with a pain in his leg which lasted through the night. The family called 111 and a doctor conducted a Zoom call consultation where he diagnosed Luke with sciatica and prescribed him naproxen – a strong painkiller.
A day later, Luke’s leg pain had become worse and spread to his left buttock, leaving him unable to get out of bed.
Julie rang 999 and insisted Luke’s condition was critical and begged for them to send an ambulance which she claims was refused.
Despite calling Penvale Medical Centre to organise transport to take him to A&E, no one called her back, the parents explained.
Julie said: “I was feeling hopeless as I couldn’t get my son out of bed to take him to A&E and just needed help.”
An ambulance eventually arrived, but paramedics said his high heart rate was down to an infection.
Two days later, Luke told his mum, “I can’t take the pain anymore,” and the family called 111 again, who sent an ambulance.
“They amputated his leg but said he was too far gone. I think Luke knew he was going to die after what he said on the operating table.
“He said, ‘Dad, I’ll be okay, you take care of Jake and mum’.
The devastated couple, who also have a younger son Jake, 16, desperately want answers.
Richard added: “Me and Julie were meant to be getting married this year and Luke was going to be the best man.
“I want these people punished. I hope they feel guilty about all this.
“We’re grieving parents. I don’t want to see any more grieving parents.”
