Inquest Reveals Safety Warnings Before Teenager's Bath Death
An inquest has heard that specialist epilepsy nurses warned a family about the dangers of baths for their teenage daughter, advising showers as a safer alternative, before the 13-year-old was discovered dead in a bath at home. The hearing at Preston Coroners' Court also learned that an administrative error prevented Kiara Ainsworth's GP from increasing her anti-seizure medication dose in the months leading up to her tragic death on April 27 last year.
Social Services Involvement and Family Support
Kiara, who was diagnosed with epilepsy approximately 14 months before her passing, had been in the care of the local authority but was returned to her mother Zara nine months prior to her death. As part of a 'Child In Need' plan, social workers conducted regular visits to the family home. During one appointment, Zara mentioned difficulties accessing Kiara's medication due to needing to travel to Blackburn to collect it, though this was not listed as requiring additional support, and no further help was requested.
Jennifer Robertshaw, Lancashire County Council's head of service for children in care, testified that during the last visit three days before Kiara's death, the social worker reported that both Kiara and her mother were 'both doing well.' Ms Robertshaw emphasized that social workers had no concerns about Zara's ability to meet her children's health needs, noting her excellent engagement and significant life changes that led to her children being returned to her care.
Epilepsy Safety Advice and Medication Error
The inquest heard from Alison Ball, a specialist epilepsy nurse, who stated that standard safety advice includes recommending showers over baths to reduce drowning risks during seizures. "We say have a shower rather than a bath and to have doors that open outwards or a sliding door so someone doesn't end up stuck behind the door," she explained. "We advise a very shallow bath and have someone present but we know that teenagers want their privacy."
Dr Adnan Akram from Peel House Medical Practice in Accrington revealed that a letter from Kiara's consultant in November 2024, requesting an increase in her levetiracetam dose, was not acted upon due to an administrative mistake. "We receive around 1,000 letters a week and not all are read by a clinician," Dr Akram said. "In this case an admin error took place. A member of staff thought the medication was being issued by the hospital and there was no action for the GP. The dose was not amended."
Family Tributes and Ongoing Inquest
Kiara's stepfather, Hayden Maher, paid tribute to her on Facebook, writing: "Kiara touched so many lives, and through her everlasting tribute page, we celebrate Kiara and share so many beautiful, happy and loving memories we'll hold forever in our hearts." Family friend Christine Houghton added: "She was the most beautiful and kind, fun and sassy 13 year old girl you could hope to meet and has left a huge hole in our hearts. We now know that Kiara tragically passed due to an epileptic episode which has left us heartbroken."
The inquest, presided over by area coroner Emma Mather, is scheduled to last two days as further evidence is examined regarding the circumstances surrounding Kiara's death.
