Exeter woman died months after begging GP for help, inquest hears

Ms Boothby-O’Neill had been admitted three times to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital but was discharged each time and sent home, the inquest was told.

Dr Shenton’s colleague, Dr Paul McDermott, said he was “slightly shocked” that, having admitted her to hospital in March 2021, she was sent home the same day.

Ms Boothby-O’Neill’s mother, Sarah Boothby, wrote to the GP practice manager in the April wanting to know what had “gone badly wrong” with the care of her daughter.

“Since 10 March, 2021, I have been the only person providing care for a person unable to sit, stand or chew,” she wrote.

“This is a long-term chronic condition without prognosis or treatment protocol.

“What is the plan for hydration, liquid, nourishment and transfers to a bedside commode in the community?

“You had arranged to speak by phone to me before the pandemic in February 2020.

“You did not call as arranged then and when I rang the surgery, they told me you were off sick.

“This case was urgent then and it is very urgent now.”

Ms Boothby described her daughter as an “exceptional” child and an A-grade student.

Her father, Sean O’Neill, a journalist with The Times newspaper, added: “I especially wanted it to be remembered that she was a special big sister to Danny and Lily.

“Her death has been hard for Danny and Lily to understand.

“Illness stopped them knowing her better, but they knew her love and on her death bed she remembered them.”