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Elizabeth Dixon death inquiry 'exposes 20-year cover-up' of mistakes Elizabeth Dixon death inquiry 'exposes 20-year cover-up' of mistakes
(about 1 hour later)
Elizabeth Dixon died when a nurse failed to clear her breathing tubes Elizabeth was pronounced dead 10 days before her first birthday
The death of a premature baby in 2001 led to a "20-year cover-up" of mistakes by health workers, an independent inquiry has found.The death of a premature baby in 2001 led to a "20-year cover-up" of mistakes by health workers, an independent inquiry has found.
Elizabeth Dixon, from Hampshire, died due to a blocked breathing tube shortly before her first birthday.Elizabeth Dixon, from Hampshire, died due to a blocked breathing tube shortly before her first birthday.
The government, which ordered the inquiry in 2017, said the mistakes in her care were "shocking and harrowing".The government, which ordered the inquiry in 2017, said the mistakes in her care were "shocking and harrowing".
The inquiry report by Dr Bill Kirkup said some of those involved had been "persistently dishonest".The inquiry report by Dr Bill Kirkup said some of those involved had been "persistently dishonest".
Her parents, Graeme and Anne Dixon, have spent 20 years campaigning for answers over the deathHer parents, Graeme and Anne Dixon, have spent 20 years campaigning for answers over the death
Elizabeth, known as Lizzie, died from asphyxiation after suffering a blockage in her tracheostomy tube while under the care of a private nursing agency at home.Elizabeth, known as Lizzie, died from asphyxiation after suffering a blockage in her tracheostomy tube while under the care of a private nursing agency at home.
Dr Bill Kirkup was appointed by the government to review events since her birth at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey in December 2000. Dr Bill Kirkup, who was appointed by the government to review the case, said her "profound disability and death could have been avoided".
The 20-year battle for answersThe 20-year battle for answers
He said: "There were failures of care by every organisation that looked after her, none of which was admitted at the time, nor properly investigated then or later.
"Instead, a cover-up began on the day that she died, propped up by denial and deception."
Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, where Lizzie was born, initially failed to diagnose a tumour which probably led to brain damage, the report said.
Her condition may have worsened due to mistakes at Great Ormond Street Hospital, which also arranged inadequate home care, it added.
Dr Kirkup said there was "clear evidence that some individuals have been persistently dishonest... and that this extended to formal statements to police and regulatory bodies."
He said a "failed" police investigation and a refusal by some health workers to give evidence to the inquiry should be investigated by professional bodies.
Publishing the report, health minister Nadine Dorries said it described a "harrowing and shocking series of mistakes associated with the care received by Elizabeth and a response to her death that was completely inadequate and at times inhumane".Publishing the report, health minister Nadine Dorries said it described a "harrowing and shocking series of mistakes associated with the care received by Elizabeth and a response to her death that was completely inadequate and at times inhumane".
She added: "The investigation sheds light on what the report describes as a '20-year cover-up'. It alleges that some individuals have been persistently dishonest in accounting for their actions or inaction." The baby's parents, Anne and Graeme Dixon, from Church Crookham, said further evidence of wrong-doing was not used by the inquiry.
Ms Dorries said the baby's parents, Anne and Graeme Dixon, from Church Crookham, were let down by failures to diagnose their daughter's underlying condition and to put in place adequate care. They said: "While we are pleased to see... that some of the blatant lies, deception and cover-ups of mistakes and incompetence have been called out, we are disappointed that certain aspects of Lizzie's care and the cover-up have not been addressed."
She said: "This report shines a light on a culture of denial and cover-up 20 years ago."
The minister said the report concluded that "conscious choices to cover up or to be dishonest should not be tolerated".
Ms Dorries said she was sorry for the devastating impact of the baby's death on her parents and paid tribute to them for their long campaign for justice.
Analysis
By Michael Buchanan, BBC News social affairs correspondent
The inquiry's findings, released earlier, mark the latest stage in a remarkable, determined two-decade campaign by Elizabeth's parents, Anne and Graeme Dixon, to uncover failings by the NHS, the police and other institutions.
"The whole thing has taken over too much of our lives," says Graeme, 62, an electronics engineer.
Anne, 57, says the sight of a police car, or an image on the television, can bring the bad memories flooding back.
"We think about it every day," she adds.
The results of the inquiry are a major step forward for the family, but their campaign to ensure there is nationwide learning from Elizabeth's care will continue despite the personal toll its taken.