'Serious learning' takes place after 'happy and cheeky' Nottingham teenager dies at QMC

A Nottinghamshire healthcare trust has accepted a number of recommendations following the death of a “happy and cheeky” teenager. Finlay Topham, 16, from Ancaster, near Grantham, died on March 10, 2023 following an operation for scoliosis at Queen's Medical Center (QMC) in Nottingham.

The Nottingham Forest fan had recently been diagnosed with scoliosis, but also suffered from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic condition which causes muscle degeneration and weakness which he was diagnosed with at the age of three. Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, which runs the QMC, has now accepted a number of recommendations following Finlay's “unexpected” death.

This follows a review which was carried out under his care, an inquest was announced on Thursday afternoon (June 20) at Nottingham Council House. The court was told that the teenager's death after the operation was “unexpected” and that “his care, taken as a whole, shows multiple examples of good and excellent care, but some aspects of the care at the time of its deterioration have raised concerns and identified areas for potential improvement.” around communication and escalation.

The main concerns were the need for in-person attendance by senior management and the escalation of management on the night of its deterioration. The court heard that “there is consensus that this would have been helpful earlier in the proceedings” and that “Finlay sadly died from an unusual and rare clinical illness of necrotizing enterocolitis linked to extensive intestinal ischemia.”

The consensus view is that his death was not preventable, according to the Trust. One of the recommendations following a review of Finlay's death was that his family, present at the hearing, receive a written apology from the Trust for the failings in care.

Family members confirmed this happened. Another recommendation related to escalation processes within the PICU and their review, particularly focusing on indications for an in-person senior review.

Expectations regarding escalation and the role of the consultant must be clarified and this should be clear in any onboarding process for junior medical staff, the court said. The Trust confirmed it has now created guidelines for escalation of pediatric care, with nine recommendations made in total.

A legal representative for the Trust told coroner Elizabeth Didcock that “it is clear that further consideration is required on behalf of the Trust” but that “serious” learning has taken place. Finlay's family described him as a “happy, cheeky man”.

A statement read to the court on their behalf said: “He lit up every room with his smile. He treated his condition positively and never really complained. Finlay accompanied us everywhere.

“Finlay attended St Francis Special School in Lincoln and when he first went there we were all very anxious, but as soon as he started going to school he thanked us for it. having let go. He enjoyed going to disabled tennis at Grantham Tennis Club and playing various sports.

“As Finlay's condition progressed, it became more difficult for him to sign up, but he still loved going to watch. He loved watching YouTube and playing on his Xbox, but didn't like doing his homework at home. He said homework is for school, not at home.

“He loved going to Scarborough and Blackpool for the illuminations. He loved all vehicles, especially Aston Martin. He also loved planes. His favorites were the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, especially the Lancaster.

“He had a private tour of all the aircraft at RAF Coningsby with a responsible Wing Commander, which was his wish through the charity Wishing upon a Star. He really enjoyed the Star Wars films , The Mandalorian and superhero films.

“His biggest passion was Nottingham Forest, closely followed by Nottinghamshire Cricket Club. He got to know some of the cricketers and Luke Fletcher, his favourite, was always checking on Finlay. We will always appreciate him.

“We will preserve Finlay's legacy by raising money for the charities that helped him, such as Grantham Disability Tennis. Since Finlay's death we have raised £10,000, with more events to come this year.”

The conclusion of the inquest is expected on Friday June 28 at Nottingham Council House.