Harry Procko's death not from care failings at Queen's Medical Centre

The death of a four-year-old two days after being discharged from hospital in Nottingham was not caused by failings in his care, a coroner has concluded.

Harry Procko, from St Ann's, was admitted to the Queen's Medical Centre after being diagnosed with gastroenteritis in June 2014.

The coroner said aspects of his care were "not optimal" but were not responsible for his death.

Harry, who had autism, died from dehydration, a post-mortem found.

Heidi Connor, assistant coroner, recorded a narrative verdict but highlighted delays in transferring Harry from the emergency department to a ward and instances of poor record keeping, which the hospital accepted.

His father Richard Clements said he was looking into pursuing civil action against Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

"I'm hoping he's looking down and realising we're doing what we can for him," he said.

"I don't think you ever get closure, how do you deal with losing a child?"

Dr Stephen Fowlie, from the Trust, said two reports had been commissioned to learn lessons from Harry's death.

He said: "We should have better recorded the advice staff gave to Harry's parents on what to look for and what to do if Harry's condition deteriorated after leaving hospital.

"We are profoundly sorry, and apologise that these elements of our care are poorly documented."

Harry was initially admitted to hospital on Friday 20 June suffering with a stomach bug.

His family took him home later that day because he was "agitated" and his father said his son would sleep better at home.

Dr Ellen-Terri Mosley said she felt "uncomfortable" with this but arranged for him to come back on the Saturday morning as a "compromise".

Dr Caroline Brown, paediatric consultant, reassessed him and said his condition was better.

However, on 23 June, Harry collapsed at home and was taken by ambulance to the Queen's Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead.