A 9-year-old boy who appeared to be in good health passed away after being discharged from the emergency room with suspected flu.

Dylan Cope, a bright and energetic nine-year-old boy, had recently been to see his GP due to experiencing abdominal pain. His parents, Laurence and Corrine, described him as a happy and healthy child who loved spending time with his family, building with Lego, and offering free hugs to those around him. He also had a passion for baking, solving Rubik's cubes, and fixing bikes.

Tragically, just a few days after being discharged from an A&E in Wales with a suspected flu, Dylan passed away from septic shock caused by a ruptured appendix. His parents spoke of how they had been looking forward to watching him in his school Christmas play, dressed as a reindeer, but instead found themselves watching their son's life slip away.

The inquest heard that Dylan had been unwell on December 2, but his symptoms had eased after two days. However, on December 6, he complained of excruciating abdominal pain and was taken to Grange Hospital's emergency department. Despite their concerns that he may have appendicitis, a practitioner deemed it to be a "mystery" and unlikely due to the pain being on his left side rather than the right, where the appendix is located. The busy ward and lack of available resources also meant that Dylan's GP referral was not reviewed.

The practitioner who assessed Dylan described his symptoms as a "mixed bag" and discussed various possible causes with his father. Despite a senior healthcare professional being set to review him, Dylan was discharged in the early hours of December 7 with a cough and cold advice sheet and some Calpol. However, his condition continued to worsen and his parents were unable to reach anyone for help until the 19th attempt. Even then, they were told to call 111 and faced a two-hour wait before being told a doctor would be in touch.

With Dylan's hands and feet turning cold, his parents took him to Grange Hospital's emergency ward where he was eventually transferred to the University Hospital of Wales and underwent an appendectomy. Sadly, he passed away four days later.

The inquest continues to uncover the events leading up to Dylan's death and the role of the hospital and its staff in his care.

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