Doctors slated after tooth phobia kills girl, 8

Published on Monday 16 February 2009 20:51

A SCHOOLGIRL who refused to eat, sleep or drink after her milk teeth came loose starved herself to death as the result of an undiagnosed psychological syndrome, a coroner ruled yesterday.

Sophie Waller suffered an apparent extreme dental phobia.

The eight-year-old from St Dennis, Cornwall underwent an operation to remove all eight of her milk teeth but this failed to cure the problem and she died on 2 December, 2005.

Coroner for Cornwall Dr Emma Carlyon, who recorded a narrative verdict,

said: "I find that the cause of death was the result of acute renal failure due to dehydration and starvation.

"Sophie's death was influenced by an underlying, undiagnosed psychological condition.

"The severity of the condition was not realised, this prevented her from receiving the medical support that could have prevented her death."

Dr Carlyon said she would be sending her findings to the local safeguarding children's board.

Sophie's parents, Janet and Richard Waller, said they regretted listening to the advice of health professionals.

In a statement, the couple said the three-year wait for the inquest was an "emotional and distressing time".

They said: "No words can express how we have felt and still feel.

"Our only regret is that we listened to the advice given to us by professionals and did not follow our own hearts."

Sophie was admitted to hospital on 7 November and underwent the operation to remove her milk teeth two days later. She was kept in and fed through a drip before being released to go home for a weekend on 18 November.

The inquest heard that after she seemed to respond positively at home and after a physical and psychological assessment on 21 November she was officially discharged. Her notes were then sent to the wrong GP and she was not seen by another medical professional before she died, the hearing was told. After the verdict, the hospital apologised to the family.

Medical director Dr Ellen Wilkinson said: "Everyone involved in Sophie's care was saddened by her tragic death. We would like to apologise to her family.

"This was a very unusual case. We have conducted a review of her care and are carrying out recommendations."

The inquest, at Truro City Hall, heard Sophie was so emaciated before her death her spine was clearly visible and her hair was falling out.

The court was told doctors at the Royal Cornwall Hospital failed to properly organise her post-hospital care and when Mrs Waller rang to ask to return her to the ward on 28 November she was referred back to the community clinical psychologist.

Dr Arnon Bentovim, consultant child psychiatrist, said it was an opportunity to save her that was missed.

Mrs Waller said she hoped any changes which were implemented "will hopefully save another child's life".

She said: "We have had to live with this since the day Sophie died and will continue to live with it for the rest of our lives."