THE family of a five-year-old Hyde girl who died from meningitis just hours after being discharged from Tameside Hospital have received compensation after the NHS admitted failings in her care.
Lila Marsland died on December 28, 2023, after being sent home from the hospital with a diagnosis of tonsillitis, despite showing symptoms of meningitis.
Her parents, Rachael Mincherton and Darren Marsland, have now received an undisclosed settlement from Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.
The Trust admitted failings in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of Lila’s bacterial meningitis and accepted that these materially contributed to her death.
The settlement follows an inquest earlier this year which concluded that Lila’s death was preventable and contributed to by neglect.
Lila, a pupil at Flowery Field Primary School, had been taken to A&E on December 27 after developing a headache, neck pain, vomiting, a sore throat and other worrying symptoms.
Her mother, who worked as a nurse, questioned whether her daughter could have meningitis.
However, following assessments, Lila was diagnosed with tonsillitis and discharged with oral antibiotics at around 2.40am the following morning.
Just hours later, Rachael woke to find her daughter unresponsive in bed. Paramedics attended the family’s home, but Lila could not be saved.
She died just two weeks before her sixth birthday.
During an eight-day inquest at Stockport Coroners’ Court in June 2025, jurors heard that Lila had displayed several warning signs of meningitis during her time in hospital.
The inquest concluded that prompt treatment with appropriate antibiotics could have prevented her death.
Coroner Chris Morris subsequently issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report, raising concerns about the recording and sharing of clinical information at the hospital.
He highlighted the use of different paper and digital systems, warning that important information could be lost between departments.
Following the latest developments, Lila’s mother Rachael said: “Losing Lila is something we’ll never come to terms with. She was the most amazing and adorable little girl.
“She was kind, caring and full of life. She loved dancing, cheerleading and spending time with family and friends. Everybody who met her adored her.
“Lila had her whole life ahead of her and it’s heartbreaking to think about everything she’s missed and all of the memories we’ve been denied as a family.
“Nothing will ever bring Lila back, but having answers regarding what happened to her is important to us.”
The family’s solicitor, Jack Bookey, of Irwin Mitchell, said the Trust’s admissions had provided important answers about the care Lila received before her death.
He said the family hoped that sharing her story would raise awareness of meningitis and help prevent similar tragedies.
Rachael also urged parents to trust their instincts when concerned about their children’s health.
She said: “Parents should never be afraid to ask questions or seek help or a second opinion if they’re concerned.
“We miss Lila every single day and always will.
“However, if by speaking out we can help prevent what happened to Lila happening to someone else then her death may not have been totally in vain.”
Since Lila’s death, the family have established Lila’s Light, a charitable initiative providing bereavement support packs for children who have lost a brother or sister.
The initiative has raised around £33,000 through donations and fundraising activities.
Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust previously acknowledged missed opportunities in Lila’s care and apologised unreservedly following the inquest.
The Trust has said it has made improvements and will continue to learn from the case.