Makenna-Rose Thackray died after opportunities were missed to treat her – inquest finds

Makenna-Rose was diagnosed with scarlet fever, caused by the bacterial infection Strep A, on 9 December 2022.

There was a Strep A outbreak across the UK in late 2022, with pharmacists across the country reporting a widespread shortage of penicillin.

On 18 December the youngster had been taken to children’s A&E but the inquest heard the two nurses on shift that night dealt with almost 80 children, instead of the 30 to 40 which could have been safely treated.

Earlier in proceedings, one of the nurses on shift that night, Helen Parker, described the shift as “one of the worst” and when asked if they were under-staffed, replied: “Absolutely, yes.”

Makenna-Rose’s mother, Danielle Ledger, took her daughter home, saying she had not been encouraged to stay.

The nurse said she had encouraged Ms Ledger to remain there.

GP Dr Nand Kishar Nemana, who saw her the following day, said he was not made aware Makenna-Rose had vomited blood or been taken to hospital by ambulance the previous night.

He diagnosed the family, from Rothwell, with flu.

Makenna-Rose died the following day.