LITTLE Oliver Robinson wanted to thank Barnsley Hospital for saving his life after he contracted deadly meningitis.
So the six-year-old played Santa and brought a sack full of toys to the children’s ward just in time for the big day.
In January, Oliver, of Harry Road, Gawber, was taken to hospital suffering from a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, headache, drowsiness and sickness. Within 12 hours he had deteriorated to the point where he was incoherent and thrashing around in his bed.
Consultant paediatrician Dr Rajeev Gupta and his team quickly identified Oliver had a type of meningitis called pneumococcal meningitis. Treatment included three different antibiotics, an anti-viral and a CT scan.
It was provided quickly, and along with the early diagnosis, meant Oliver avoided any complications. Pneumococcal meningitis in children Oliver’s age often leads to serious and lasting brain damage.
His dad Simon said: “It was clear to me at the time that if he didn’t get the correct treatment urgently, we might lose him. He was on the brink for a further 48 hours or so before he showed signs of recovery.”
Oliver was in Barnsley Hospital and Sheffield Children’s Hospital until February 3, followed by a further six weeks on antibiotics.
Simon, a software manager, said: “We had lots of support from family to help look after our other two children Thomas, eight, and Chloe, four. Summer Lane Primary school also offered all their resources to us.
“A special note of thanks must go to the headmaster, Mr Smith. We really had no other choice than just to keep pushing on until Oliver was well enough.”
Simon sent a touching letter of gratitude to thank everyone involved in Oliver’s treatment and pledged to
support the hospital in any way he
could.
Simon added: “I want to state publicly that Barnsley Hospital children’s ward could not have been more helpful and supportive. Specifically, they seem to really understand that the wellbeing of the parents is also important.”
