A 15-YEAR-OLD girl, severely disabled by a metabolic disorder, died on the same day she was sent home from hospital.

But an inquest heard the infection that killed Kirsty Buckley would have taken hold rapidly and been overwhelming in effect.

Kirsty, who lived with her parents in Duddon Avenue, Darwen, suffered from methylmalonic acidaemia which resulted in mental and physical impairment.

She needed 24-hour care which was provided by her parents Bernadette Buckley and Tim Jump.

On August 15 they became concerned about her condition and took her to Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn, where she was admitted to the children's medical unit.

After being assessed she was kept under observation and then discharged home.

Dr Claire Smith, a consultant paediatrician, said she was aware that Kirsty hated being in hospital and the decision to send her home had been agreed with her father.

"Her family and the home-care team were capable of looking after her," said Dr Smith. "It was agreed she could go home on condition she could come straight back if necessary."

She said Kirsty was a very weak and vulnerable child.

Dr Melanie Newbold, paediatric pathologist at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, said the medical cause of death was bronchopneumonia with her underlying condition a contributory factor.

"She was susceptible to this kind of infection which can take hold rapidly and have an overwhelming effect," said Dr Newbold.

Coroner Michael Singleton recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.