A Ferryhill family campaigning for better access to GP appointments in memory of their toddler who died after a 'misdiagnosis' will meet with ministers, after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commended their efforts.
Two–year-old Hudson Hewitt tragically died in January, hours after his family say he was misdiagnosed with gastroenteritis over the phone during a consultation with a GP.
He had woken up to be sick one morning and when he didn't get better mum Shannon Palfrey rang 111 when he was given the diagnosis. His condition worsened and he was blue-lit to Darlington Memorial where he died despite doctors' efforts.
The family have been campaigning to improve access to face-to-face appointments for children under five, with a petition calling for a law change having gained more than 80,000 signatures. And now Shannon and dad Tyler, both 26, are set to meet with a health minister after the PM was told of Hudson's story during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday (October 29).
Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor MP Alan Strickland told the Commons: "Shannon and Tyler are full of praise for the NHS medical staff who worked so hard to save their son's life, they just wish they'd been offered an in person appointment sooner which might have given a more accurate diagnosis.
"They want Hudson's legacy to be better access to face-to-face appointments for children under five so other families don't face this situation and their online petition on this matter has gained over 80,000 signatures."
He called on the PM to arrange a meeting between the family and a health minister "to discuss their courageous campaign".
Sir Keir replied: "I’m sure that I speak for the whole house when I say we send our sympathies and thoughts to Hudson’s parents Shannon and Tyler,"
Calling Hudson's death a "tragic case" he added: "I’ll make sure that they get the meeting that they’re asking for.
“This is exactly why we’re working to improve access to face-to-face appointments for those that want one.”
Speaking after Shannon told the Echo said it was "a step in the right direction, but it's bittersweet."
"It took me back a bit", she said
"We have been in touch with Alan for 10 months trying to get a meeting with a health minister and this was just the icing on the cake.
"It's been a long time coming.
"We can't change what happened to Hudson, but we can stop it happening to others."
She said previously: "He was full of character, so smiley. He loved farm animals, dinosaurs. He was a typical little boy."
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“I was honoured to speak up for my constituents Shannon and Tyler, at Prime Minister’s Questions today, following the heartbreaking loss of their two-year-old son," Alan Strickland said.
"Shannon and Tyler have shown remarkable courage in turning their grief into a campaign to help other families. I echoed their calls for better access to face-to-face NHS appointments for children under five.
"I was glad the Prime Minister agreed that a health minister will meet the family to discuss their important campaign.”
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