THE parents of a baby boy who died a “probably preventable” death at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd have met with the chief executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) to discuss changes they would like to see made.

Lucas Thomas Munslow, from Flint, was nine months old when he died of acute bacterial meningitis at the Bodelwyddan hospital on May 18, 2019.

Less than 24 hours earlier, his parents, Nathan and Kimberley, had been told by staff at the hospital that he had viral tonsillitis but was safe to return home.

Nathan and Kimberley Munslow with LucasNathan and Kimberley Munslow with Lucas (Image: Family handout)

After an inquest into his death last November, coroner John Gittins found staff exhibited “poor practice”, and that it is “probable” that Lucas’ death could have been prevented.

Late last month, Lucas’ parents met BCUHB’s chief executive, Carol Shillabeer, and said they were left feeling “more positive” from the answers she gave them.

Kimberley said: “She wants to start a campaign and use some of Lucas’ pictures in it, to make more people aware of his condition, and more aware that meningitis doesn’t always mean a rash, because Lucas didn’t have a rash.

“There are different symptoms, like lethargy, or sensitivity to light.

“They (BCUHB) have started a helpline to get a second opinion if you’re not happy with your or your child’s diagnosis, and she said she wants to boost awareness of that.

“We showed her videos of Lucas. She had tears in her eyes watching them.

“We asked if the doctors that saw him got any counselling, because we weren’t the only ones who went through it that night; the staff that tried to keep him alive did, as well.

“We told her that lessons haven’t been learned. It’s too short a period yet for lessons to have been learned, but we felt more positive from the answers she gave us.”

Lucas MunslowLucas Munslow (Image: Family handout)

Ms Shillabeer added: “I am very grateful to Mr and Mrs Munslow for meeting with me and sharing their experience and thoughts on the areas we need to improve. 

“We are very keen to work with them to raise awareness around meningitis and the important signs to look out for.” 

In March, the Munslows agreed an out-of-court settlement of £16,500 with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Kimberley will also be facing her fears in October, when she takes on a sponsored skydive with Lucas’ uncle in his memory - www.justgiving.com/page/kimberley-munslow-1712592474706.

The skydive will be in aid of Meningitis Research Foundation, a charity which strives to “provide life-saving information and fund vital medical research” into the condition.