Schoolgirl, 11, died hours after doctors diagnosed her with 'constipation' and sent her home from A&E while suffering abdominal pain
The parents of a schoolgirl who died hours after doctors diagnosed her with constipation and sent her home from A&E are demanding answers.
Annabel Greenhalgh, 11, was taken to Warwick Hospital by her parents on the evening of October 13, after she complained of abdominal pain.
Doctors said she had constipation and discharged her. But the next morning, her father Craig found her unresponsive at their home in Warwick and dialled 999.
Despite paramedics attempts to resuscitate her, Annabel was pronounced dead at the scene.
Between 2017 and 2021, Annabel experienced multiple episodes of severe abdominal pain and had required hospital treatment on several occasions.
An inquest into the popular schoolgirl's death will start this Friday at Coventry Coroners' Court.
Annabel Greenhalgh, 11, from Warwick died hours after being diagnosed with constipation and sent home from hospital
Ahead of the hearing, her parents Craig and Josie have spoken of the 'gaping hole' Annabel's death has left in their lives.
Josie, 45, said: 'Annabel was an incredible child and loved by all who met her. She was gentle, phenomenally bright, creative, fun and always inclusive of everyone.
'She absolutely loved her music, her fashion, her art, her friends, and her beloved cat Reuben.
'She was our greatest gift and brought so much love, joy and happiness to our lives.
'Since losing her, much of our days have been filled with distress, emptiness and sorrow.'
Annabel had just started Alcester Grammar School before her tragic death and was described as 'well-loved' by teachers and pupils.
Her parents hope the inquest will answer crucial questions about her treatment before she died.
Annabel (pictured) had just started Alcester Grammar School before her tragic death and was described as 'well-loved' by teachers and pupils
Craig said: 'When we were told we could take Annabel home from hospital, we trusted that there was nothing serious going on.
'To wake up the next morning and find her unresponsive was absolutely devastating and something we still struggle to comprehend.
'Every day since then, we've wondered if more could have been done to save our little girl.
'She was our only child and we still have so many unanswered questions around what happened to her.
'We know that hearing everything again at the inquest will be incredibly difficult, but it's something we need to do to honour our daughter and get the answers we've been seeking for more than 18 months.
'Since losing Annabel, there's been a gaping hole in our lives and we wouldn't wish what we've suffered on anyone.
'She had just started secondary school and had her whole life ahead of her. Words cannot truly express how much we miss her.'
Craig and Josie have instructed medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the tragedy.
The family's solicitor Emma Rush said: 'Josie and Craig understandably remain devastated at losing their little girl so suddenly and tragically.
'They also continue to have a number of questions over what happened to her.
'While nothing can bring Annabel back, the inquest is a major milestone in being able to provide her family with the answers they deserve.
'If, during the course of the inquest any issues in the care provided to Annabel are identified, it's vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety.'
