The tragic loss of five-year-old Amber Milnes, who died following a tonsil removal surgery, has led her parents to advocate for more vigilant health care practices. Amber passed away on April 9, 2023, at the Royal Cornwall Hospital due to complications associated with her underlying health condition, cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS). Her parents, Lewis and Sereta Milnes, claim that Amber's condition was not appropriately taken into account when she was discharged from the hospital after her surgery. They emphasize the need for parents to voice their concerns regarding their children's health care to ensure proper treatment and recovery.
Amber had a history of frequent hospital visits due to CVS, a rare condition that causes unpredictable cycles of vomiting, leading to dehydration. Her family believed that removing her tonsils would help improve her quality of life, similar to her older brother, who underwent the same procedure. However, while her brother was kept in the hospital overnight afterwards, Amber was sent home on the same day, a decision her parents later questioned. They were under the impression that she would receive similar postoperative care.
After returning home, Amber experienced a severe vomiting episode the following day, prompting her family to seek help again at the hospital. Tragically, she died four days later due to a ruptured blood vessel, a rare complication that can occur after surgical procedures. Mrs. Milnes expressed grief, stating, "They were looking at her like a normal child, but she wasn't a normal child," stressing that they should have advocated for her to remain hospitalized longer.
In response to the incident, the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust acknowledged the coroner's findings regarding Amber's death and recognized the importance of learning from this tragedy. They conveyed their commitment to making necessary adjustments to improve patient care, particularly in similar cases.
The Milnes family is now encouraging other parents to be proactive in advocating for their children’s health. They stress the importance of asking questions and ensuring that any concerns are heard by medical professionals. Mrs. Milnes lamented, "I just wish that we'd shouted louder and said we want to stay in, instead of assuming," while Mr. Milnes urged other parents to be persistent in seeking clarity about their child's health care decisions.
The heartbreaking story of Amber Milnes serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role parents play in navigating their children's health and ensuring that proper care is prioritized during medical procedures. Their advocacy underscores the necessity for healthcare professionals to consider children with complex health issues carefully, making informed decisions that account for individual health circumstances.