A&E error denies CT scan, leaving 32-year-old patient permanently paralysed
Oli Coppock was sent home from Warrington Hospital's A&E without a brain scan, later developing fluid buildup that led to permanent paralysis.
In May 2024, 32-year-old Oli Coppock attended Warrington Hospital's emergency department with intense headaches and dizziness following treatment for a brain tumour. Despite his medical history, staff did not order a CT brain scan and discharged him. Within a week, fluid built up in his brain, triggering a cardiac arrest and resulting in near-total paralysis, with care now provided via tubes and limited communication through blinking.
The North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust acknowledged the failure to order the scan and issued an interim damages payment. Lawyers note the two-year delay has hindered access to therapies. The incident reflects a 41% rise in A&E clinical negligence claims over five years, with total claim values exceeding £550 million in 2025-26.
Why it matters
The case highlights how emergency department pressures can lead to life-changing medical errors.
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