Scala privately instructed by Longster family to secure media coverage of Chloe Longster’s Inquest

Scala was recently privately instructed by Louise and David Longster to secure media coverage of the Inquest touching the death of their daughter, Chloe Longster. Chloe died on 29th November 2022 following failures by medical staff at Kettering General Hospital to diagnose and treat her for sepsis.

Chloe Longster was admitted to Kettering General Hospital with severe pain in her lower ribs and cold-like symptoms. She was in the hospital for just 18 and a half hours and was placed under Level 3 care, the highest possible care for an individual. Despite this, there was a catalogue of missed opportunities in care throughout her brief stay at the hospital.

She was diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted to the children’s ward. Yet, during the short time that she was there, she experienced delays, mistakes, and inaction causing her condition to rapidly deteriorate and she tragically died of sepsis the following day.

The CQC’s National Prosecution team are investigating the circumstances surrounding Chloe's death, and were present at the Article 2 Inquest, The family hope that because of the systemic and catastrophic nature of what happened, a CQC Prosecution of the Trust will follow.

Scala secured over 80 pieces of coverage for the Longster family, including articles and TV interviews on Good Morning Britain, the BBC, ITV and Sky News.

To see the coverage Scala secured, please look at our Coverage Book.

Chloe Longster Inquest, 7th-11^th October 2024

On 7^th October 2024, a 5-day Article 2 Inquest commenced at Northampton Coroners Court to examine the events leading up to Chloe’s death. The Coroner delivered a finding of ‘Neglect’ as part of her narrative Conclusion.

Statement from Louise Longster, Mum of Chloe Longster

"The pain of losing Chloe will never go away, she was the best of us. A lover of life that will no longer be able to experience it. While nothing can make up for the loss of Chloe, we are pleased with the Coroner's finding of neglect as part of her narrative conclusion.

"There was a catalogue of missed opportunities in care following Chloe's admission into hospital back in 2022. Both mine and Chloe's grave concerns were either ignored or not taken seriously.

"Staff failed to identify that Chloe was in serious need of medical attention and no escalation was made that could have saved her life. Too many families have been through the heartbreak and needless tragedy we've experienced. It was excruciating listening to their 'disagreement on fact'.

"Justice for Chloe is having her true experience finally heard, acknowledged, and no child will even have to suffer again in the way she did. She should have been safe, she should have been in the 'safest place'. Lessons must truly be learnt."

Statement of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) release ahead of the Inquest

“CQC are aware of the sad death of Chloe Longster, who was receiving care from Kettering General Hospital. Our condolences are with her family and friends at this sad time. We are liaising with the trust to establish the circumstances around Chloe’s death, to determine whether there is any regulatory action we may need to take.  

“CQC’s priority, at all times, is the health and wellbeing of people using health and social care services, and all information we receive informs our monitoring of services and future inspections. If we’re not satisfied people are receiving safe care, we will not hesitate to take action in line with our regulatory powers.”

For more information on how Scala can assist you with your Marketing and PR needs, please contact us today via 0114 4070159 or email office@scala.uk.com