Emotional scenes at inquest as doctor apologises to family of Stowmarket 10-year-old Nuel-Junior Dzernjo, who died following complications from chickenpox

A doctor has apologised during an inquest to the family of a Stowmarket boy who died following complications from chickenpox after she discharged him from hospital.

Nuel-Junior Dzernjo, 10, died at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds on February 22 this year.

The Chilton Community Primary School pupil was immunocompromised as a result of steroids he was taking to treat his epilepsy.

He had developed chickenpox, and his condition deteriorated in the week leading up to his death.

On February 21, he attended Ipswich Hospital with his parents, Solange and Emmanuel Dzernjo.

The Dzernjos told an inquest at Suffolk Coroner’s Court today that they had become concerned by their son’s limited breathing.

Dr Kirsten Philip, who assessed Nuel at the hospital, gave evidence.

On seeing him on February 21, Dr Philip did not note any signs of abnormal breathing difficulties.

She said she believed he was experiencing a fairly ordinary case of chickenpox, and that an inspection of his tummy revealed little cause for concern.

Nuel’s parents took issue with this account, alleging that their son had been grunting throughout the appointment.

Addressing Dr Philip, Solange Dzernjo said: “I told you Nuel has been grunting, I told you Nuel was in pain. I gave you every detail.”

The inquest has heard that health workers overlooked a number of aspects of Nuel’s case at the time.

Staff at Ipswich Hospital were not aware of the extent of his immunosuppression, as he was not a patient there.

The doctor acknowledged that, if this was known to her at the time, she may have kept Nuel at the hospital for a second assessment.

Instead, he was discharged.

Only a day later, Solange found her son unconscious in the bathroom of the family home, the inquest was told.

He was rushed to West Suffolk Hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that afternoon.

Dr Philip became visibly emotional as she extended an apology to Nuel’s family in court today.

She told the Dzernjos: "I come into work, and I make sure that I don’t do any harm to my patients. I am also a mum, and I feel every ounce of sympathy.

“I just apologize for all the pain that this has brought to you. It wasn't my intention, and I acted with my best ability at that time.

“I'd like to apologize, and offer my deepest sympathy.”

The inquest continues.