Teenager who died from meningitis was left on hospital trolley for 16 hours

May she rest in peace.

A teenage girl who died from meningitis was waiting on a trolley for 16 hours. Aoife Johnston was admitted to University Hospital Limerick with bacterial meningitis. However, the young girl was left without a hospital bed due to a high volume of patients. The Independent confirmed Aoife was waiting on a trolley between 13 and 16 hours. Her family was extremely concerned about how overcrowded the hospital's A&E was. University Hospital Limerick has been suffering from extreme overcrowding in recent months. Aoife later received antibiotics for bacterial meningitis, but it was too late. She passed away from bacterial meningitis on December 19th. Aoife died surrounded by her loving family. She was only 16 years of age. An investigation has now been launched, The Independent confirmed. Tributes have been pouring in for 16-year-old Aoife since her untimely death. Aoife's funeral took place at St John and Paul's Church Shannon on December 22nd. Mourners gathered to remember the "beautiful" and "kind" secondary school pupil. Loved ones paid tribute to Aoife following her tragic passing. One said, "She was the most beautiful and kindhearted young girl." Another added, "She really was the nicest girl. She was too good for this world." Others remembered Aoife as a "kindhearted girl" and "dear friend". The public has been advised to look out for the following symptoms;

• A fever
• Vomiting
• Discomfort from bright light
• Neck stiffness
• Drowsiness
• Severe headaches

Some people may also have stomach issues as well as trouble breathing. Doctors have also stressed that early detection is key. Vaccines are the best way to protect you from meningitis, but they don't prevent all types of meningitis. This is why early detection and treatment is key.

Related Links:

A teenager in Clare has died from meningitis

Everything you should know about ovarian cysts

"You can’t imagine what it feels to have had a baby and yet feel like you didn’t"