A TEENAGER who attempted to call a GP 25 times in one day but was unable to get through died three days later, an inquest heard.

Toby James Hudson, aged 19, of Weymouth, did manage to see a nurse two days after his attempts to call the surgery and was prescribed antibiotics, but his condition deteriorated and he was later rushed to hospital, where he died.

An inquest into his death began yesterday at Dorset Coroners Court, presided over by coroner Rachael Griffin.

His dad Peter Hudson told the inquest that Toby had called Wyke Regis & Lanehouse Medical Practice 25 times on July 1 2019 after becoming ill with flu symptoms and a severe swollen neck but could not get through.

He rang the surgery the following day a 'number of times' before being given a morning appointment at the urgent care centre in Weymouth Community Hospital on July 3.

Dr Matthew Brook, of the practice, told the inquest that some calls to the surgery were not ringing through properly, and that the phone system has since been updated.

At his urgent care appointment, Toby was assessed by advanced nurse practitioner Briony Jefferis who said he had a swollen red neck, inflamed tonsils and white spots at the back of his throat.

Mrs Jefferis told the inquest she did not check his respiratory or blood pressure because she felt it was not needed, and prescribed penicillin antibiotics.

The following day on July 4 at around 7.30pm an ambulance was called to the teenager's home.

Paramedic Charlotte Coggins told the inquest his health was clearly deteriorating and she diagnosed he had a severe form of sepsis.

On route to Dorset County Hospital paramedics had to perform an emergency stop at Spa Road in Weymouth after calling for back up at around 8.28pm.

Three more paramedics arrived, including operations officer Matt Care to help Toby, who had gone into cardiac arrest.

The inquest heard how the ambulance had to make a second emergency stop at a layby in Winterborne Monkton.

The ambulance arrived at the hospital at 8.46pm.

Toby died approximately two hours after his arrival.

The inquest continues.