A BLAENAU Gwent boy who had symptoms of what proved to be a fatal disease months before his death was thought to have only been suffering from a virus by his GP, a jury heard yesterday.

Ryan Morse, 12, of Brynithel, died at home in the early hours of December 8, 2012 from an Addison’s Disease crisis. 

Dr Lindsey Thomas, aged 42, of Copper Beech Drive, Tredegar, and Dr Joanne Rudling, aged 46, of Blackberry Way, Pontprennau, Cardiff, have both pleaded not guilty to a charge of manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Ryan by gross negligence. 

Rudling has also pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice. Both defendants are on bail. 

The charges relate to two separate phone conversations the doctors at Abernant Surgery had with Ryan’s mum, Carol, on Friday, December 7. 

Cardiff Crown Court heard Mrs Morse first took Ryan to see Rudling in November after previously having appointments with Drs Ian Jones and Adam Southan at the same surgery. 

For five months, his symptoms included aching legs, spontaneous vomiting, headaches, a sore throat, a loss of appetite, skin discolouration and a high temperature. 

By November, Ryan was losing so much weight that his school uniform did not fit; he had been having “out of character” outbursts; was constantly sleeping; and had been off school due to low energy levels.

The court heard Mrs Morse’s police interview with DC Williams yesterday, where she detailed each of the appointments she had with the GPs at Abernant Surgery. 

Mrs Morse spoke of her “relief” when she was granted an appointment with Dr Rudling, who had once cared for her mother, after Dr Jones had previously diagnosed him with a virus and Dr Southan failed to take his blood. 

She said: “When she started there, she was lovely. She would explain things to you. She was caring, she was compassionate.” 

DC Williams then asked: “If you had a choice and could pick a doctor from this surgery prior to Ryan being ill?” 

“Rudling.”

Rudling took Ryan’s bloods at his first appointment with her at Abernant Surgery on November 7 and a fortnight later, the Morses returned for the results. 

To Mrs Morse’s amazement, she was again told that Ryan was suffering from a virus and had a low white blood cell count. 

She said: “I was flabbergasted, annoyed. I felt like screaming down the house.” 

DC Williams then asked: “I know it might be hard for you, but can you tell me a bit more about that?”

She answered: “‘A virus?’ I looked back at him [Ryan]. I could see his eyes welling up and he looked disappointed.” 

DC Williams questioned: “What was Dr Rudling’s response about his weight loss and his skin discolouration?” 

She replied: “Just a virus.”

The court heard Rudling gave Ryan no medication and told him to come back in January for a follow-up.

Proceeding.