A mother is urging parents to follow their instincts after medical professionals repeatedly misdiagnosed her baby’s severe health issue as a chest infection on multiple occasions. Ellie Stimson, 21, persisted in seeking help for her daughter, Isla-Rae Burton, as doctors at both her GP’s office and a hospital discharged them over eight months. Eventually, after Isla-Rae was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, it was discovered that she had a collapsed lung, leading to six hours on life support.
At 11 months old, Isla-Rae now requires major surgery for the collapsed lung and an uncommon condition called Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation (CPAM). CPAM causes cysts to grow in the lung during pregnancy, with potential complications such as lung cancer and heart failure if left untreated. Ellie, speaking from their home in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, expressed her distress at the situation, emphasizing the seriousness of the oversight by medical professionals.
Ellie and her partner, Keiron Burton, became alarmed by their daughter’s persistent wheezing, breathing difficulties, and mucus cough after her birth in February last year. Despite their concerns, doctors reassured them that Isla-Rae would outgrow her symptoms as she appeared content. The couple sought medical help repeatedly, visiting a GP seven times and Royal Stoke University Hospital eight times, only to be sent home with the chest infection diagnosis.
The delayed diagnosis in October revealed the presence of CPAM, affecting only 1 in 10,000 babies, according to Asthma + Lung UK. Ellie expressed frustration and sadness at the missed opportunities for early intervention, leading to the need for urgent surgery now that Isla-Rae’s condition has worsened.
An earlier scan had indicated shadows in Isla-Rae’s lungs in May, suggesting the collapsed lung, but this sign was reportedly overlooked until later in the year. The family is in communication with Royal Stoke University Hospital to address their concerns, with Isla-Rae scheduled for surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital once she reaches the top of the waiting list.
To support their daughter and cover living expenses during this challenging time, the family has set up a GoFundMe page. Ann-Marie Riley, chief nurse at Royal Stoke University Hospital, assured that they are taking the family’s complaint seriously and are investigating the matter thoroughly.