A flesh-eating virus killed an amateur footballer just days after doctors misdiagnosed him with tonsillitis.
The doctors, according to Luke Abrahams’ parents, made a “catalogue of errors,” which cost their son his life.
Last month, the 20-year-old began to experience throat pain and made an appointment with his doctor, who prescribed antibiotics.
However, Luke’s condition deteriorated, and the railway engineer experienced severe leg pains.
This concerned his parents, who took him to the hospital, fearing something was wrong, and claim medical experts simply sent him home. Abrahams’ agony worsened, and he declared that he “couldn’t take the pain” any longer.
He was rushed to Northampton General Hospital for surgery, but died on the operating table on January 23.
A post-mortem examination revealed that he had septicaemia, also known as Lemierre syndrome.
“I can’t say whether he would definitely be here now, but they cut corners and misdiagnosed him.
On January 15, Luke was diagnosed with tonsillitis. He was still feeling ill two days later, so Luke called his doctor but was unable to reach him.
The operator directed Luke to A&E, where he was informed that he would be placed on an intravenous drip. His family, however, claims that this never happened.
The next morning, Luke awoke with leg pain that lasted all night. The family dialled 111, and a doctor conducted a Zoom call consultation, diagnosing Luke with sciatica and prescribing naproxen, a powerful pain reliever.
Luke’s leg pain had worsened and spread to his left buttock the next day, rendering him unable to get out of bed.
Julie called 999 and insisted Luke’s condition was critical, pleading for an ambulance, which she claims was refused.
The parents explained that despite calling Penvale Medical Centre to arrange transport to take him to A&E, no one returned her call.
Julie said: “I was feeling hopeless as I couldn’t get my son out of bed to take him to A&E and just needed help.”
An ambulance eventually arrived, but paramedics said his high heart rate was down to an infection.
Two days later, Luke told his mum, “I can’t take the pain anymore,” and the family called 111 again, who sent an ambulance.
“They amputated his leg but said he was too far gone. I think Luke knew he was going to die after what he said on the operating table.
“He said, ‘Dad, I’ll be okay, you take care of Jake and mum’.
The devastated couple, who also have a younger son Jake, 16, desperately want answers.
Richard added: “Me and Julie were meant to be getting married this year and Luke was going to be the best man.
“I want these people punished. I hope they feel guilty about all this.
