Father’s grief as A&E error leaves son paralysed at 32

A father is calling for answers after his 32-year-old son was left almost completely paralyzed due to alleged failures in A&E care. Stephen Coppock states that Warrington Hospital missed critical diagnostic steps, a mistake that ultimately ruined his son Oli’s life.

In May 2024, Oli visited the emergency department suffering from severe headaches and dizziness. Despite having a recent history of a brain tumor and a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, he was not given a brain scan and was discharged. Just one week later, fluid buildup on his brain caused a cardiac arrest. Oli did not regain consciousness and now resides in a neurological rehabilitation center, dependent on tubes for breathing and feeding, with only the ability to blink to communicate.

“The hospital didn’t get the basics right and my son has paid a terrible price,” Stephen said. “He trusted the health service and believed it was there to help him, not destroy him.”

North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust, which operates the hospital, has admitted to a breach of duty. They acknowledged that a CT scan would likely have detected the fluid accumulation, allowing for timely surgery. An interim damages payment has been agreed upon, though Oli’s solicitor, Tanzeela Aslam, argued that the two-year delay in resolving the claim deprived him of essential therapies.

Oli’s situation reflects a broader trend in England, where BBC analysis reveals a 41% increase in A&E-related clinical negligence claims over the past five years. From 1,151 cases in 2020-21, the number rose to over 1,623 in 2025-26, making emergency departments the leading area for such claims, with total values exceeding £550 million last year.

Medical experts attribute this surge to systemic pressures, including long waiting times and staff shortages. During the last two years, one in ten A&E patients waited more than 12 hours for treatment or discharge. Dr. Adrian Boyle of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine described the statistics as “sobering,” noting that while negligence remains rare—occurring in roughly one in 17,000 attendances—the strain on departments is evident.

NHS England stated that waiting times are showing signs of improvement and noted that many claims relate to historic incidents. However, for families like the Coppocks, the consequences of delayed care are permanent and devastating.