The family of Oli Coppock, 34, is suing the National Health Service (NHS) after a hospital allegedly dismissed his fatal brain condition as a virus, resulting in him becoming paralyzed and non-verbal.
Coppock, an aspiring DJ and fitness enthusiast, sought treatment at Warrington Hospital in May 2024, complaining of dizziness, sickness, and a severe headache. He had even brought an overnight bag, expecting to be admitted. Despite having undergone brain surgery and radiotherapy months earlier for a benign growth, the A&E doctor reportedly advised him he had a virus and should go home with paracetamol. This failure to diagnose and order a CT scan, according to his family, led to a subsequent cardiac arrest after fluid on the brain was discovered. He now has inoperable brain stem damage and no meaningful ability to move.
His father, Stephen Coppock, a former child protection lawyer, stated that his son can only communicate by blinking yes or no to prompt cards and believes Oli understands everything happening around him. The family is pursuing legal action against Warrington Hospital, which has since admitted liability following an internal report detailing multiple failures.
Oli's ordeal began in May 2023 when a routine scan identified a small, benign growth near his brain stem. Following successful surgery in November 2023 and proton beam therapy, he had resumed his active lifestyle, including gym visits and his DJ residency. However, his condition deteriorated in May 2024.
According to Stephen Coppock, the delay in diagnosis meant that what could have been a "simple fix" of draining fluid from the brain became catastrophic. The internal investigation report by Warrington Hospital confirmed a series of failures, including not ordering a CT scan, not escalating his case based on his medical history, and not consulting senior colleagues. The Trust acknowledged that a CT scan "should have been performed" and that failing to do so was a "breach of duty."
Despite the hospital admitting fault, Stephen Coppock expressed frustration over the nearly year-long delay in official accountability, fearing irreparable damage had already occurred. He criticized the hospital for not providing adequate specialist treatment and equipment, stating that his son has been deprived of basic support and stimulation, making his life "slightly bearable."
The family is currently receiving an interim payment following court approval to fund specialist care equipment and treatment. Tanzeela Aslam, the family's lawyer, highlighted that preventable errors and delays in admitting liability have compounded Oli's suffering, depriving him of essential therapies that could have improved his quality of life.
North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Warrington Hospital, issued an apology, stating, "We are deeply sorry that Mr. Coppock did not receive the standard of care that should be expected, and we recognize the distress and lasting impact on patients and their families when harm is caused."