The family of a little boy who died just days after his first birthday say a pre-inquest review held yesterday (April 14) was ‘another step’ in a ‘long and painful journey.’
Archie, who had an undiagnosed heart condition, died on 23 November 2023 following two cardiac arrests.
The “happy little lad who was always smiling” had been reviewed in the A&E and Urgent Care Centre at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) hospital in Margate more than 10 times since his birth on November 20, 2022, with symptoms including constipation, breathlessness and failure to thrive.
The day after his first birthday, Archie was admitted to the hospital from A&E due to constipation and vomiting.
He died two days later after suffering two separate cardiac arrests. A postmortem examination found that Archie had a rare heart condition, which had gone undetected.
The pre-hearing at the North East Kent Coroner’s Court, in Maidstone has now concluded.
Parents Lauren Parrish and Jake Squire said: “(The) hearing is another step in our long and painful journey to understand how our beautiful baby boy, Archie, came to lose his life so suddenly and so young.
“Archie was a bright, joyful, and much-loved little soul who brought light into every room. He was only one years old when he died, and not a day has passed that we haven’t felt the weight of his absence.
“We continue to be devastated by his loss, and while nothing can bring him back, we remain focused on finding answers and making sure his voice is heard. We owe that to Archie and to other families who deserve better.
“We hope the upcoming inquest will fully explore the circumstances around Archie’s death and whether more could have been done to help him. Until then, we ask for privacy as we continue to grieve and prepare for what lies ahead.”
Archie’s family are represented by Leigh Day medical negligence solicitor Lily Hedgman, who has instructed Emily Raynor of Old Square Chambers.
Lily Hedgman said: “Archie’s family have shown great strength and dignity as they seek to understand how their much-loved son came to die at just one year old.
“They hope the inquest will provide a full and transparent account of the care Archie received and whether opportunities were missed to diagnose his condition. They are determined that no other family should suffer a similar loss.”
A full inquest hearing is scheduled for 19 – 29 May.
