Adam Cornell’s family tried multiple times to access care before his deathAuthor: Adam ClarkPublished 4 minutes agoAn inquest into the death of Adam Cornell has determined that healthcare providers missed multiple opportunities to diagnose and treat a fatal brain condition that led to his death at the age of 32.Adam’s family made at least six attempts to secure medical attention as his health worsened, according to findings from the inquest held in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. The coroner concluded that signs of a cyst at the base of Adam’s brain were not recognised in time to prevent his death in June 2023. Adam, who was from Peterborough, sought advice from multiple healthcare providers, including the Hertfordshire Urgent Care out-of-hours service, his GP, and the ambulance service. However, the inquiry revealed that significant symptoms were overlooked, including the failure to perform an examination of the back of his eyes, commonly known as a fundoscopy, during GP appointments. On 7th June 2023, a paramedic assessed Adam after his family dialled 999 but did not pursue further treatment as Adam was already under GP care plans. Despite further contact with NHS services, his condition worsened, leading to hospitalisation where scans showed a build-up of fluid causing severe brain pressure. Life support was withdrawn on 11th June 2023, and Adam passed away later that day. Adam’s mother, Maria Cornell, said: “Adam was a kind, compassionate and extraordinary person who touched the lives of so many people. He was devoted to his family and friends, always helping others and putting their needs before his own.“Adam had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and the stories we have heard since his death show just how much of a lasting impact he had on those around him. He brought so much joy to our lives and is deeply missed every day. “He was my son and losing him in these circumstances has been devastating beyond words. “I am grateful that Adam’s case has been examined so thoroughly by the coroner. It has been extremely painful to hear the evidence about what happened in the days and hours before he died, but it was important that the circumstances of his death were properly investigated. “What happened to Adam should never have happened. We sought help repeatedly because we could see how seriously unwell he was becoming, but there were too many missed opportunities to recognise the warning signs and provide the care he needed. “We now know an examination of the back of Adam’s eyes, known as a fundoscopy, could have helped identify how serious his condition was. I hope Adam’s story helps raise awareness of the importance of severe or worsening symptoms being taken seriously and encourages people to speak up and ask whether further checks may be needed if they feel something is being missed. That awareness could help save lives. “I hope the health professionals involved, and the wider healthcare system, take lessons from Adam’s death. Families should be listened to, warning signs must not be missed, and no other family should have to endure the pain and loss that we live with every day.” Leigh Day solicitor Nadine Refaat said: “The evidence heard during this inquest showed Adam and his family sought medical help repeatedly in the days before his death as his condition deteriorated.“The coroner’s thorough investigation and conclusion validate the family’s concerns that Adam’s worsening condition was overlooked on multiple occasions and that opportunities to diagnose and treat him were missed. “The coroner found that, on the balance of probabilities, emergency treatment would have prevented Adam’s death at that time. Had these opportunities not been missed, Adam’s death could and should have been avoided, and he could still be enjoying life with his family and friends today. “Maria and the rest of Adam’s family have shown remarkable courage throughout the inquest process. They remain determined that lessons are learned from Adam’s death and hope that any necessary changes are made to help prevent other families experiencing a similar tragedy in the future.”Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.
Inquest highlights missed chances to diagnose Cambridgeshire man’s fatal cyst
