Amber Milnes, a five-year-old from St Just in Roseland, Cornwall, tragically died days after a tonsil removal at Royal Cornwall Hospital on 5 April 2023. She had sleep apnoea and cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS), a condition causing severe, recurring vomiting that left her dehydrated and requiring medical care.
Despite her parents’ request to keep her overnight due to CVS, Amber was discharged the same day. The next day, she began vomiting and returned to the hospital after around 20 episodes. She received IV fluids, antibiotics, and pain relief, but complications arose. On 9 April, she suffered a fatal haemorrhage, likely caused by infection at the surgery site.
At a two-day inquest in November 2025, her parents described Amber as a joyful, brave, and caring little girl who loved music, singing, and helping her family.
Senior Coroner Andrew Cox concluded that Amber died from a “known but very rare complication: catastrophic haemorrhage caused by infection after adenotonsillectomy.” He noted serious concerns about how her CVS was considered post-surgery, and that the surgeon and anaesthetist were not fully aware of her condition despite her parents’ warnings.
Dr Merry Kane, Chief Medical Officer at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, expressed deep sympathy and confirmed new guidelines have been introduced for children with sleep apnoea following tonsil surgery, with greater awareness of CVS.