New inquest call over Stafford Hospital toddler death

An independent review into the death of a toddler at Stafford Hospital has called for a new inquest to be opened.

Three-year-old Jonnie Meek, from Cannock, died while being fed via his stomach in August 2014.

A coroner recorded he died from natural causes.

But Jonnie's parents have always said their son, who had a rare genetic condition, suffered an allergic reaction to a type of milk which had made him ill on previous occasions.

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The doctor in charge of the review heard that when nurses changed the type of milk formula in Jonnie's system, his health deteriorated.

Jonnie Meek, who had a genetic condition meaning he needed to be fed through a stomach tube, died in August 2014

The boy developed a rash on his skin, low pulse and breathing problems.

The report does not provide medical proof of the allergy but recommends a new inquest should be opened to re-examine the evidence.

Dr Martin Farrier, who carried out the review, made a formal apology to the family in the report over the 15 months it took for their questions and concerns to be answered.

He said the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust offered a "poor" response to Jonnie's family and concluded "there is little evidence of the open culture that is aspired to by the NHS".