World-renowned children’s hospital ‘covered up mistakes that led to baby’s death’

Latest updates and essential advice from The Independent [View in browser]( [Alternate text] Daily briefing November 20, 2020 Today’s essential news from the source you trust This morning’s headlines A world-leading children’s hospital has been accused of a “concerted effort” to cover up the mistakes that led to [the death of a toddler](. Jasmine Hughes died at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital aged 20 months after suffering acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a condition in which the brain and spinal cord are inflamed following a viral infection. Doctors said that her death in February 2011 had been caused by complications of ADEM. But an analysis of detailed hospital computer records shows the toddler died after her blood pressure was mismanaged - spiking when she was treated with steroids then allowed to fall too fast. Experts say this led to catastrophic brain damage. Although the detailed computer records were supplied to the coroner who carried out Jasmine’s inquest, crucial information concerning her blood pressure was not included in official medical records that should hold the patient’s entire clinical history. Boris Johnson is coming under intense pressure to publish in full a report on [bullying allegations against home secretary Priti Patel](, amid claims he is poised to issue her with a written warning but allow her to keep her job. Reports suggested that an investigation has found Ms Patel breached the requirement under the ministerial code to treat civil servants “with consideration and respect”. Sources close to the inquiry said that it had found evidence of bullying, even if it had not been intentional, according to the BBC. One person who had seen the draft report was quoted as saying it was “unambiguous in stating that Priti Patel broke the ministerial code and that the prime minister buried it”. Millions of public sector workers [face a pay freeze next year]( in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to reports. Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to announce the move during a government spending review next week as part of efforts to plug the hole left in the nation’s finances by the Covid-19 crisis. The freeze, expected to save billions in public spending, would mean workers such teachers, police, civil servants and those in the armed forces see their salaries squeezed. Any move to freeze public pay would prove highly controversial - but Mr Sunak will argue it is only fair since the private sector has been hit hard during the pandemic, according to The Times. . We need your support The Independent employs over 100 journalists around the world to bring you news you can trust. Please consider showing your support with a contribution. [Contribute]( . Top stories [Georgia recount confirms Biden victory over Trump]( [Corbyn suspension ‘to last three months’ as Labour consumed by infighting]( [Brexit talks suspended after EU negotiator tests positive for Covid]( . Uncertain times, unrivalled clarity, unlimited access Enjoy 50% off Independent Premium for 12 months with this limited-time offer [Find out more]( . More news - [Indian lawyer ‘sues’ Barack Obama over memoir A Promised Land]( - [Booker Prize winner Shuggie Bain is a brutal and tender classic]( - [Macron tells France’s Muslims to adopt ‘republican values’]( . News you can trust The Independent has a 100% NewsGuard trust rating [NewsGuard] [Find out more]( . If you can spare two minutes we’d love to hear your [feedback]( on our newsletters [Alternate text] Join the conversation or follow us [Twitter]( [Facebook]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's News email. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent News email and Breaking News alerts, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Headlines_Masterlist_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.