A HEARTBROKEN mum has received compensation after doctors failed to save her 11- year-old son because of “unacceptable” delays.

Agnetta Treloar, 35, began taking legal action against Southend Hospital after coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray highlighted its failings in treating Jason Treloar, who was known to friends and family as Jay, during an inquest into his death in June.

He was already being monitored for an enlarged blood vessel when he collapsed at his home clutching his chest in April 2010, but it took doctors more than two-and-a-half hours to examine him once paramedics had rushed him to hospital.

Jay, a former pupil at Northwick Park Primary School, Canvey, died the following day, with a post-mortem showing he had an aortic aneurysm caused by a rare undiagnosed collagen disease called Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

Southend Hospital agreed to settle Miss Treloar’s medical negligence claim out of court, and awarded her an undisclosed sum of compensation.

Miss Treloar, who previously lived in Third Walk, Canvey, but has since moved to Basildon, said: “This can now start to bring some closure for me.

“Although what I really wanted was a formal acknowledgement from Southend Hospital it failed Jay, I amaware that agreeing to settle my case goes someway towards this acknowlegement.”

Despite Mrs Caroline Beasley Murray’s damming criticism of Southend Hospital, she recorded a verdict of natural causes during the inquest, which the family had to wait four years for.

At the time, she said: “Jason died as a result of an extremely rare medical event.

“The condition was inoperable and a positive outcome was not likely.”

Jay was born with a double curvature of the spine, dislocated elbows and no left hip, but stunned medics by finding a way to walk short distances.

He also had a history of spinal scoliosis, joint deformities and an enlarged heart.

Matthew Smith, from Gadsby Wicks, the Chelmsford-based solicitors which represented Miss Treloar, added: “This has been a tragic case and a very emotional experience for Miss Treloar and her family. I am pleased the hospital agreed to settle her claim and hope this can bring some closure.”

Changes made to improve communication

SOUTHEND Hospital insists it has made a series of changes in the wake of Jay's death.

A spokesman refused to comment specifically on the compensation payout, but promised work had been done to improve communication and treatment waiting times.

Cheryl Schwarz, acting chief nurse at Southend Hospital, said: “The trust would again like to express its sincere condolences to Jason’s family following his tragic and unexpected death in 2010.

“We acknowledge the conclusions and comments of the coroner following the inquest verdict and we would like to reassure his family we have made a number of improvements in the areas identified by the coroner and will continue to work hard to provide the highest possible level of care.”