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Son's inquest 'most horrendous week of our lives'

James Grantand
Annabel Amos,Northamptonshire
News imageKate Bradbrook/BBC A man in a claret and blue football shirt stands close to a woman in a maroon blazer and red jumper in front of an old building. Kate Bradbrook/BBC
Luke's parents, Richard Abrahams and Julie Needham, believe misdiagnosis contributed to their son's death

A grieving father said the inquest into his son's death was "the most horrendous week" of the family's lives.

Luke Abrahams, from East Hunsbury, Northampton, died on 23 January 2023 after developing necrotising fasciitis, which is a type of flesh-eating disease.

The four-day inquest in Northampton Coroner's Court heard that earlier surgical intervention could have improved Luke's chances of survival, but the assistant coroner said it was not possible to conclude that faster hospital treatment would have prevented his death.

The ambulance service said it was "deeply sorry" it missed the opportunity to take Abrahams to hospital.

Speaking to BBC Northampton, Richard Abrahams, Luke's father, said: "The week [of the inquest] was the most horrendous week of our lives. The 'missed opportunity' means to us, [the medical professionals] failed.

"The 24-48 hour gap [between initially being seen and being taken to hospital] was a significant time scale that could have saved Luke."

News imageAbrahams Family A close up photo of a man with a brown beard, short brown hair wearing a pink shirt and a blue blazer.Abrahams Family
Luke Abrahams, 20, died in January 2023 of sepsis and necrotising fasciitis

The 20-year-old was initially diagnosed with tonsillitis and prescribed antibiotics; however, his condition deteriorated, and he became immobile with severe leg pain.

In the early hours of 20 January, he had a video consultation with an out-of-hours doctor, who diagnosed sciatica.

However, 12 hours later, his family called for an ambulance, but despite a high temperature and blood sugar level, the crew decided he did not need to go to hospital.

Two days later, he was admitted to hospital - and died the next day.

News imageEmma Baugh/BBC Luke Abrahams' parents Julie Needham and Richard Abrahams are pictured outside the inquest with their younger son, Jake. She has shoulder-length brown hair and is wearing a pink top and red jacket. Richard is on the right and is wearing spectacles, a blue checked shirt and blue jacket. Jake is in the centre, and has short brown hair and a ginger goatee beard. He is wearing a black top and is holding a photo of his brother Luke as well as a mobile phone.Emma Baugh/BBC
Luke Abrahams' parents, Julie Needham and Richard Abrahams, attended the inquest alongside their younger son, Jake

Since the case, the NHS has updated its website guidance on the symptoms of necrotising fasciitis.

NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board also said it was "deeply sorry" for the family's loss.

Abrahams said the family now want to campaign in his son's name to support other families and prevent similar deaths.

He said: "I don't understand why an inquest takes so many years. It should happen within six months while everything is still fresh in people's minds.

"We will fight [for similar cases] to stop this happening in Luke's name."

The Abrahams family will also launch a civil claim against East Midlands Ambulance Service.

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