'Our son died aged 19 after NHS mistakes - he should still be here'

A coroner's inquest has concluded that the preventable death of 19-year-old Isaac Arrowsmith was caused by medical errors within the National Health Service (NHS). His parents, Neil and Louise Arrowsmith, expressed anguish over their son's passing, stating he "should still be here." Isaac suffered from Haemoglobin Rainier disease, a rare inherited blood disorder that elevates the risk of blood clots. Isaac was diagnosed with Haemoglobin Rainier disease at the age of 18. On December 19, 2025, he began experiencing chest pain, breathlessness, and coughing up blood. He was taken to Macclesfield District General Hospital, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia and sent home without undergoing tests to rule out a pulmonary embolism. Despite his worsening condition, Isaac returned to the emergency department on December 31, but was placed under a respiratory virtual ward, intended to offer hospital-level care at home within 48 hours, rather than being admitted. Louise, a 52-year-old manager, recounted how Isaac waited approximately 20 hours without receiving attention from the respiratory team before leaving the hospital, believing the virtual ward would follow up. On January 2, Isaac collapsed at home and succumbed to a pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and Haemoglobin Rainier disease. The inquest determined that Isaac was never properly referred to the virtual ward team, should have been admitted to the hospital, and would likely have survived had he been treated appropriately during his condition's deterioration. Neil, a 45-year-old tutor residing in Macclesfield, shared his frustration regarding the circumstances surrounding Isaac's death. He stated that accepting his son's death would have been easier if there was nothing anyone could have done. However, the realization that Isaac's life could have been saved due to medical errors makes it difficult not to feel anger. Neil emphasized that Isaac should still be present with them today, highlighting the impact of these mistakes on his family. Following Isaac's diagnosis of Haemoglobin Rainier disease, he underwent treatment at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, which included regular blood tests and venesection. On December 19, Isaac experienced severe chest pain and difficulty breathing at his mother Louise's house. He called an ambulance, and Louise joined him at Macclesfield District General Hospital, where he was diagnosed with pneumonia. Louise mentioned that she informed the staff about Isaac's condition, expressing shock that not all A&E staff could access patient files. Isaac was sent home with antibiotics but returned later that day after coughing up more blood. He was discharged again without undergoing tests to rule out a pulmonary embolism, even though he exhibited symptoms consistent with the condition. Neil explained that they trusted the doctors and believed the antibiotics needed time to take effect. He noted that Isaac's health fluctuated during the Christmas period, which the family celebrated together despite Neil and Louise being divorced. On December 31, Isaac visited his general practitioner due to persistent symptoms and was referred for a chest X-ray and blood test to assess clotting risks. Before these tests could be conducted, Isaac returned to Macclesfield District General Hospital after coughing up more blood. He was once again diagnosed with pneumonia, but a doctor requested additional respiratory investigations. Instead of being admitted, Isaac was informed that he would receive support from the respiratory virtual ward team within 48 hours. Upon returning home, Neil described Isaac as looking "like an old man," continuing to cough up blood. He returned to the hospital that evening, where he waited around 20 hours without seeing the respiratory team and eventually left, convinced the virtual ward would follow up. On the morning of January 2, Isaac remained breathless but assured Louise he felt okay before she went to work. Later that day, he contacted her, struggling to breathe, prompting Neil to go check on him. Neil described Isaac as appearing "pale" and "confused" upon arrival, leading him to call emergency services and attempt to comfort his son by encouraging deep breathing. Isaac suddenly lunged backward, gasping for air, prompting Neil to place him in the recovery position.