Girl, 11, died from cardiac arrest, inquest hears

Annabel Greenhalgh's parents told the inquest every day since her death had been "one of emptiness"

An inquest has recorded a verdict of death by natural causes after an 11-year-old died having been diagnosed with constipation.

Annabel Greenhalgh from Warwick was found dead by her father the day after being sent home from Warwick Hospital in October 2022.

A post-mortem examination showed she died of a suspected cardiac arrest, an inquest was told.

The South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust expressed its "heartfelt" condolences to the family and apologised for any decisions that caused additional distress.

Annabel visited Warwick Hospital A&E complaining of abdominal pain. The 11-year-old died on 14 October - one day later.

Dr Richard Britain, the assistant coroner for Coventry and Warwickshire, heard she had been born with a bowel condition and had undergone several operations.

She had spent several weeks in hospital in Birmingham after being born prematurely to correct a small bowel atresia (blockage), then again in 2016 for a malrotation of the bowel.

A post-mortem examination showed she died of a suspected cardiac arrest, the inquest was told.

Her parents broke down in tears as they gave evidence. Her father said he found her on the bathroom floor in the morning and attempted CPR.

Annabel was then taken to Warwick Hospital, who tried to resuscitate her but she was declared dead.

He said: "The view of her helpless face when I picked her up from the floor is forever in my mind."

A statement detailing the impact of their daughter's death added: "Every day is one of emptiness, sorrow and hopelessness."

A spokesperson for the trust said: "On behalf of South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust, we express our heartfelt condolences to Annabel's family and friends.

"We apologise for any actions and decisions that have caused additional distress.

"The investigations undertaken since Annabel's death highlighted a series of recommendations and extensive learning for the Trust. We can provide full assurance that these have been implemented."