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Dentist fear led girl to starve Dentist fear led girl to starve
(20 minutes later)
An eight-year-old girl who starved to death after having eight teeth removed had "an underlying psychological syndrome", a coroner has ruled. A girl who starved to death after having eight teeth removed had a deep fear of dentists which went unnoticed by authorities, a coroner has said.
Sophie Waller, of St Dennis, Cornwall, died in December 2005 of renal failure caused by starvation and dehydration.Sophie Waller, of St Dennis, Cornwall, died in December 2005 of renal failure caused by starvation and dehydration.
She suffered an apparent extreme dental phobia and refused to eat, sleep or drink after her milk teeth came loose.She suffered an apparent extreme dental phobia and refused to eat, sleep or drink after her milk teeth came loose.
She underwent an operation in hospital to remove the teeth but this failed to cure the problem, the hearing was told.She underwent an operation in hospital to remove the teeth but this failed to cure the problem, the hearing was told.
Sophie's parents, Richard and Janet Waller, told the inquest at Truro City Hall she had been scared of dentists and had refused to eat or talk when a milk tooth became loose. The only justification for Sophie's death is that procedures have and will be changed and will hopefully save another child's life Richard and Janet Waller Sophie's parents, Richard and Janet Waller, told the inquest at Truro City Hall she had been scared of dentists and had refused to eat or talk when a milk tooth became loose. The only justification for Sophie's death is that procedures have and will be changed and will hopefully save another child's life Richard and Janet Waller class="" href="/1/hi/england/devon/7892708.stm">Young dentists put children first
She was sent to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in November 2005 to have the teeth taken out under general anaesthetic.She was sent to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in November 2005 to have the teeth taken out under general anaesthetic.
Following the operation however, she would not open her mouth to eat or talk and was given a feeding tube on the ward.Following the operation however, she would not open her mouth to eat or talk and was given a feeding tube on the ward.
She was discharged on 17 November and was taken home on the understanding a bed would still be waiting for her in hospital. She left hospital on 17 November and was taken home on the understanding a bed would still be waiting for her in hospital.
Despite attempts to feed her and contact with a psychologist, Sophie's health deteriorated and eventually she could hardly walk. After she seemed to respond positively at home and after a physical and psychological assessment on 21 November she was officially discharged.
But her notes were then sent to the wrong GP and she was not seen by another medical professional before she died, the hearing was told.
She was found dead in her bed at home on 2 December.She was found dead in her bed at home on 2 December.
Procedures changed
She lost 11kg (23lbs) in the month before she died.She lost 11kg (23lbs) in the month before she died.
'Emotional and distressing' Cornwall Coroner Dr Emma Carlyon, who recorded a narrative verdict, said the severity of her condition had not been realised and this had "prevented her from receiving the medical support that could have prevented her death".
Cornwall Coroner Dr Emma Carlyon, who recorded a narrative verdict, said the severity of her condition was not realised and this "prevented her from receiving the medical support that could have prevented her death". After the verdict, the hospital apologised to the family.
Medical director Dr Ellen Wilkinson said: "Everyone involved in Sophie's care was saddened by her tragic death. We would like to apologise to her family.
"This was a very unusual case. We have conducted a review of her care and are carrying out recommendations."
A family friend, Elaine Panks, read a statement on behalf of the family.A family friend, Elaine Panks, read a statement on behalf of the family.
It said: "It has been a very emotional and distressing time. No words can express how we have felt and feel and still feel. It said: "It has been a very emotional and distressing time. No words can express how we have felt and still feel.
"The only justification for Sophie's death is that procedures have and will be changed and will hopefully save another child's life.""The only justification for Sophie's death is that procedures have and will be changed and will hopefully save another child's life."