No bed for heart attack girl

Danielle had suffered fainting fits for two months

An inquest has been hearing about the death of a six-year-old girl who had to wait a week for a hospital bed.

Danielle Kennedy, from Chaddesden, Derbyshire, had been suffering from fainting fits for almost two months before she died, after a heart attack in hospital.

A leading pathologist told the hearing she probably died as a result of an abnormal heart beat.

Consultant paediatrician Richard Morton had wanted to admit Danielle to Derbyshire Children's Hospital for observation on 5 December 1999, but no bed was available.

Danielle saw Dr Morton again on the 12 December and a bed was found.

The inquest heard that five consultants and several doctors saw Danielle but the rare heart condition she is thought to have had was not diagnosed.

Danielle's mother, Shirley Kennedy, said she was furious the condition was not picked up earlier.

The hearing continues.