A statement on behalf of Sophie's parents
- 00:00:59
- ITN
A statement on behalf of Sophie's parents
Doctors failed to diagnose a psychological syndrome that made a schoolgirl starve herself to death, an inquest heard. Sophie Waller, eight, had an extreme phobia of dentists and the "severity of her condition was not realised", Coroner for Cornwall Dr Emma Carlyon said. Sophie refused to eat, sleep or drink after her milk teeth came loose, the inquest into her death heard. The schoolgirl from St Dennis, Cornwall, had an operation to remove all eight of her milk teeth and was discharged from hospital. But she continued to refuse food and died two weeks later on December 2, 2005. Dr Carlyon recorded a narrative verdict, saying the severity of Sophie's condition was not realised and this "prevented her from receiving the medical support that could have prevented her death". She said: "I find that the cause of death was the result of acute renal failure due to dehydration and starvation. Sophie's death was influenced by an underlying, undiagnosed psychological condition. "The severity of the condition was not realised, this prevented her from receiving the medical support that could have prevented her death." Dr Carlyon said she would be sending her findings to the local safeguarding children's board. Sophie's parent's, Janet and Richard Waller, said they regretted listening to the advice of health professionals. In a statement, the couple said the three year waiting for the inquest was an "emotional and distressing time". They said: "No words can express how we have felt and still feel. Our only regret is that we listened to the advice given to us by professionals and did not follow our own hearts." The inquest was told earlier that doctors failed to properly organise her post-hospital carewas sent home to be cared for by a community psychologist and a GP. Dr Arnon Bentovim, consultant child psychiatrist, said doctors failed to organise a proper care plan for Sophie, who was not seen by a medical professional after she was discharged. The hearing was told that her medical notes were sent to the wrong GP and no doctor was contacted directly by hospital staff.
ITN | February 17, 2009
