From Dailymail · · 2m
Inquest to look at whether death of student, 18, from meningitis in her first term at university was 'preventable'
Inquest examines if 18-year-old university student's meningitis death was preventable.
In brief
Inquest examines if 18-year-old university student's meningitis death was preventable. Bournemouth University student Megan Draper died from meningitis after being sent home from hospital despite symptoms, raising questions about preventable causes. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Inquest to examine preventable death
A jury will hear whether an 18-year-old university student's meningitis death was preventable.
Megan Draper's death details
Bournemouth University student Megan Draper died on October 29, 2:0000, 2025, after contracting meningitis.
Symptoms and hospital response
Megan displayed headache, stomach pain, and a spreading rash before being sent home from hospital.
Coroner's inquest scope
Coroner Brendan Allen stated the inquest will cover Megan's NHS 111 call, hospital triage, out-of-hours treatment, and admission to Southmead Hospital.
Megan's vaccination history
Megan received MenACWY vaccine at age 14 but not MenB, which protects against 83% of UK meningitis cases.
Parents' vaccination confusion
Parents believed MenB vaccine was part of standard meningitis jab, unaware it was separate from MenACWY.
Initial hospital response
Megan was sent home from Royal Bournemouth Hospital despite symptoms, with doctors dismissing concerns as viral.
Rapid deterioration
Megan's condition worsened during drive home, causing leg paralysis before hospital transfer to Southmead.
Death and family impact
Megan died four days later on October 29, 2025, leaving parents and 15-year-old brother.
Coroner's statement
Coroner Brendan Allen confirmed the inquest must proceed as Megan's death was from a notifiable disease.
Dorset Healthcare request
Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust must provide statement on Megan's NHS 111 call and procedures.
Inquest timeline
The inquest is scheduled to start on July 19, 2027, after provisional review.
Vaccine coverage gap
MenB vaccine (ACWY-135) only became available on NHS for babies in 2015, offering protection for two years.
Parental awareness
Parents were unaware MenB vaccine existed and only checked vaccination status before university.
Megan's final call
On October 24, Megan called parents saying she felt 'lethargic' before symptoms worsened.
Critical timeline
Megan's condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to hospital transfer and death four days later.
The headline
Bournemouth University student Megan Draper died from meningitis after being sent home from hospital despite symptoms, raising questions about preventable causes.
