Baby showed 'no clinical signs of heart failure'
Family handoutA senior doctor has told an inquest that a baby "had no clinical signs of heart failure" a month before he died at a Kent hospital.
Archie Squire died of a rare heart condition just days after his first birthday in November 2023, following repeated visits to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital in Margate.
Dr Emma Price, a consultant paediatrician with the East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKHUFT), told the inquest into his death that when she saw Archie in October 2023 "he didn't have any signs of heart disease" or "heart failure".
"In all honesty it was a surprise" to find "Archie had a cardiac issue", she said.
Archie died in the early hours of 23 November 2023 following two cardiac arrests.
His parents had made repeated visits to hospital over his short life, concerned about Archie's breathing as well as constipation and vomiting.
A report by EKHUFT found that during Archie's treatment opportunities to diagnose him appropriately, which could have prevented his death, were "missed".
The trust said it offered its "heartfelt condolences to Archie's family".
"We will work with the coroner to give the family answers," it added.
'Period of reflection'
The inquest, held at North East Kent Coroner's Court in Maidstone, heard Archie had been admitted to the children's ward at the QEQM on 5 October 2023 suffering from breathing issues and constipation.
Dr Price told the coroner, Sarah Clarke, that staff considered it a "working likelihood" that Archie's poor health "was related to his breathing".
Under cross examination by the family's barrister, Emily Raynor, Dr Price said: "The thing that was really worrying me was his effort of breathing.
"Listening to his heart there was no indication of a murmur," she said.
In later questioning Dr Price was asked if Archie's case had led to any changes in the way she practiced.
"Of course it has changed the way I practice," Dr Price replied.
"We learn from every child. It makes us go through a significant period of reflection."
The inquest started on Monday and is set to last nine days.
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