Lauren Marsh broke down in tears as she heard evidence about the death of her daughter, Bonnie, at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital in December 2021.

The four-year-old, from South Green, Dereham, had been taken to Norfolk's biggest hospital on two occasions in the days before her death. 

But she was discharged both times before going into cardiac arrest at the N&N where she died on December 21 during her final admission. 

Bonnie Marsh, from Dereham, who has died at the age of four. She is pictured with her dog, Coco (Image: Family)

Following a series of delays, the inquest began this week at Norfolk Coroner’s Court. 

On Tuesday, it heard evidence from Professor Mark Peters, a consultant in paediatric intensive care with more than 32 years experience who was asked to compile a report as an expert witness into Bonnie’s care and diagnosis before her death.

He was instructed to review a 315-page PDF document which included notes and a pathologist’s report. He was also asked during the inquest to read further statements totalling almost 50 more pages.

He said he believed Bonnie's death was "overwhelmingly" caused by a viral infection of the heart called myocarditis, adding that he had "the privilege of hindsight". 

Professor Mark Peters gave evidence at an inquest into Bonnie Marsh's death (Image: GOSH)

But his revelation that Bonnie might have been saved was a devastating blow to her parents, forcing Mrs Marsh to flea the courtroom in tears as she broke down. 

Prof Peters concluded that while it was “very difficult to give hypothetical answers”, if Bonnie had been admitted to the N&N “six to 10 hours prior to cardiac arrest, it may well have been possible to have stabilised her”. 

He added that "the best scenario in the short term” would have been a long stay in intensive care, while another scenario is that she may have also required a heart transplant if she survived.

Bonnie Marsh pictured with her parents, Liam and Lauran, and brother, Teddy (Image: Family)

Prof Peters was also critical in his report about the N&N discharging Bonnie the day before her death.

"I'm trying to be aware of the advantage I have of seeing this knowing the outcome,” he said. 

"I think the full picture should have warranted greater concern and admission [to hospital]. 

"It seems a poor position to me to send the child home for a second time." 

The inquest continues.

Bonnie Marsh died in December 2021 (Image: Family)

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