# 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.
- Title: Inquest to look at whether death of student, 18, from…
- Summary: Inquest examines if 18-year-old university student's meningitis death was preventable. Bournemouth University student Megan Draper died from meningitis after…
- Keywords: meningitis, bournemouth university, megan draper, meningitis b, nhs 111, coroner, preventable death, university student, meningitis vaccine, news, entertainment, Inquest
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16221185/Inquest-look-death-student-18-meningitis-term-university-preventable.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-19T17:11:58+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: meningitis, bournemouth university, megan draper, meningitis b, nhs 111, coroner, preventable death, university student, meningitis vaccine, news, entertainment
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Bournemouth University student Megan Draper died from meningitis after being sent home from hospital despite symptoms, raising questions about preventable causes.