The family of Oli Coppock, a 34-year-old fitness enthusiast, has initiated legal action against the NHS, alleging that doctors at Warrington Hospital failed to diagnose a serious brain condition, leading to his paralysis.
Mr. Coppock began experiencing symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue in May 2024. He presented at Warrington Hospital with an overnight bag, expecting admission. Despite his medical history indicating recent brain surgery and radiotherapy, he was reportedly told he had a virus and advised to take paracetamol. Shortly after, he suffered a cardiac arrest, and it was discovered he had developed hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by excess fluid on the brain.
Medical Failures and Consequences
Hydrocephalus is typically a treatable condition. However, a subsequent CT scan revealed that Mr. Coppock had developed inoperable brain stem damage. This led to him developing locked-in syndrome, a state where he is unable to speak, eat, or move, and can only communicate through eye movements. He also requires a tracheostomy for breathing support and is fed through a tube.
His father, Stephen Coppock, stated that hospital management allowed his son to remain in an independent neurological rehabilitation center for nearly a year before admitting fault, which he attributes to a critical internal report detailing numerous failures. The family is seeking access to specialized equipment and treatment, though Mr. Coppock's father expressed concern that it may be insufficient given the severity of his son's condition.
Mr. Coppock's health issues began in May 2023, following a routine scan for a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, which identified a small, benign growth near his brain stem. He underwent surgery in November 2023 and received proton beam therapy. Following treatment, he had resumed a normal life, even securing a DJ residency.
Legal Action and Admission of Liability
An internal investigation report from Warrington Hospital identified multiple failures, including not ordering a CT scan, not escalating his case based on his medical history, and failing to consult senior colleagues. The report concluded that a scan would likely have detected the fluid on his brain, enabling a simple drainage procedure and a full recovery.
After the family pursued legal action, the North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Warrington Hospital, accepted full liability for Mr. Coppock's condition. The Trust acknowledged that a CT scan should have been performed and that the failure to do so constituted a breach of duty. They also stated that surgery before his condition deteriorated would have prevented his respiratory arrest.
The Trust is now arranging an interim payment to cover specialized care and equipment, following court approval. Tanzeela Aslam, the family's lawyer, highlighted how preventable errors in the NHS can lead to devastating consequences and noted that delays in admitting liability further compounded Mr. Coppock's suffering by depriving him of access to essential therapies and treatments.
The North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust issued an apology, expressing regret that Mr. Coppock did not receive the expected standard of care and acknowledging the distress caused to him and his family.