A MOTHER wept as she told an inquiry how her teenage daughter was left to die alone when her life support was switched off with no family by her side.
Jean Crawford, 56, was giving evidence at the Fatal Accident Inquiry into her daughter Kathryn Beattie's death on June 21, 2004. The 13-year-old died at the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow, following brain surgery the day after she was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Ms Crawford said the decision was made to switch off her daughter's life support when no family members were present, meaning her body started to shut down.
However, consultants at the hospital later reversed their decision and turned the machine back on for a further 12 hours to allow the family to be with her before it was switched off for a second, and final time, by her father and brother.
The hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court heard how Kathryn had been unwell with flu-like symptoms in the week leading up to June 21 but there were no signs there was anything seriously wrong.
However, later in the day her mother became concerned when she became unable to form words properly.
Ms Crawford said: "She came up to me and looked at me and said 'mum, I wanted to say something to you but it didn't come out right'.
"She couldn't remember the words. It's difficult to talk about because I didn't know what she meant.
"I felt a sharp pain in my stomach because I just knew at that moment there was something seriously wrong – just from the feeling I got from her."
Ms Crawford phoned husband Gerald Beattie, a GP, who was visiting his sister nearby. He returned home and called an ambulance.
Kathryn was well enough to walk to the ambulance and was taken to Victoria Infirmary. There she was examined by Doctor Lucy Thomas, who asked her questions about her medical history and took blood tests.
During the examination Ms Crawford and Dr Beattie – who have since separated – noticed their daughter's mouth appeared to be slightly immobile on one side, and also spotted bruises which had not been there before.
The blood tests revealed Kathryn had an abnormally low platelet count of just 13, while a normal level is around 200. Platelets are vital components of blood which help it form clots.
Ms Crawford said: "I heard Gerry tell the doctor 'get the platelets and get your consultant'. I think he knew something was wrong."
The court heard that later on the family was informed that Kathryn had leukaemia. Ms Crawford said: "The doctor came over to us and she looked different. She was more solemn.
"She was saying things to Gerry I didn't understand. When I heard the word 'leukaemia' I thought I was going to die. I couldn't turn round because Kathryn was watching and I didn't want to scare her.
"It was the worst thing I could have heard. All I could think about was the pain that was waiting for her. But I never imagined she was going to die."
After the diagnosis was confirmed there was a delay while Kathryn was prepared for a CT scan. During that time – and throughout the evening – Dr Beattie continually asked for her to be given platelets or to see a consultant, but neither was forthcoming.
His daughter was later transferred to the Neurosciences Unit at Glasgow Southern General Hospital, after the scan revealed she was suffering from small blood haemorrhages in her brain – which her body lacked the ability to clot.
She was operated on and despite surgeons telling her parents there was a "0.01%" of the procedure putting her in danger, she did not revive afterwards and was declared dead following a second CT scan the next day.
The inquiry, before Sheriff Linda Ruxton, continues.
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