A woman’s sister was allegedly advised by a 111 operator to take paracetamol after reporting worrying symptoms that later turned out to be meningitis, leaving her in a coma.
Nicky Hillier, aged 50, initially thought she was just coming down with a severe cold one Friday night in early March 2026. As her condition worsened over the next five days, she suspected she might have Covid and had to stay home from work.
Her symptoms escalated to the point where she had to change her pajamas every two hours due to excessive sweating. Despite contacting NHS 111 on March 18 due to a persistent fever and inability to secure a GP appointment, she was only advised to take paracetamol. Hours later, she was discovered unconscious and barely breathing by her neighbor and ex-husband.
On March 19, Nicky was found unconscious on her floor by her neighbor and ex-husband after they noticed her curtains were still drawn. She was rushed to the hospital in Swindon, Wiltshire, where doctors diagnosed her with bacterial meningitis caused by streptococcus pneumoniae.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Nicky’s friends and family to assist her as she struggles with deafness, mobility issues, and the inability to work.
Nicky’s sister, Amanda Hall, expressed shock at her sister’s sudden deterioration, recounting the heartbreaking experience of seeing her in such a critical state. Doctors believe Nicky’s case of meningitis was unrelated to the previous outbreak in Kent earlier that year.
Despite being brought out of a coma after two days, Nicky now suffers from deafness, Bell’s palsy, and mobility and communication challenges. Amanda shared that Nicky’s condition has significantly impacted her daily life, as she now relies on a frame to walk and spends most of her time in her bedroom.
A spokesperson from Practice Plus Group expressed regret over Nicky’s illness and urged her family to address any concerns directly with them for a thorough review of the NHS 111 call.