A young university student, typically healthy and active, tragically passed away in excruciating pain after medical professionals dismissed her concerns, labeling her as a “time-waster,” her grieving mother revealed during an inquest.

Libby Instone, a 20-year-old student from Billingham, Teesside, had been experiencing persistent vomiting for several days before collapsing and succumbing to her condition. Despite visiting an urgent care center three times within a day, she was diagnosed with gastroenteritis before her untimely death in August 2023.

Libby, a law student at Newcastle University with aspirations of becoming a barrister, tragically suffered an infarction of her small intestine, as disclosed by Teesside Coroner Clare Bailey during the inquiry.

Recounting the events, Libby’s mother, Susan Instone, shared that her daughter started feeling unwell after returning from a trip to London with her boyfriend, experiencing intense pain and vomiting.

Despite seeking medical help, including multiple visits to the North Tees Hospital Urgent Care Centre, Libby’s condition did not improve. She was only prescribed anti-sickness medication without a thorough examination, leading to a fatal outcome.

The family’s distress continued as they navigated long waiting times and inadequate care at the hospital, with Libby eventually collapsing at home and being rushed to the hospital, where she tragically passed away.

An independent medical expert’s investigation, commissioned by the coroner, revealed missed opportunities for proper diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the failure to address critical symptoms that could have led to a different outcome for Libby.

Dr. Michael Stewart, the group chief medical officer for the local hospitals, expressed deep regret for the lapses in Libby’s care, acknowledging the confirmation bias that hindered a timely intervention.

The coroner was expected to deliver her findings on the case, shedding light on the systemic failures that contributed to Libby’s tragic demise.