Recurring concern

Unsafe management of significant bleeding

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First reported 20 Feb 2015•Latest report 13 Dec 2024

Definition

What this concern includes

Includes failures of controls specifically dedicated to preventing, recognising, assessing, escalating, investigating or treating significant bleeding, including bleeding associated with medicines, procedures or defined clinical hazards.

Not included

  • Excludes generic staff training, documentation, communication or staffing deficiencies not explicitly tied to significant bleeding management.
  • Excludes unrelated medication, diagnostic, procedural or deterioration concerns where bleeding is not the specific hazard being controlled.
  • Excludes the mere absence or use of clinical guidance when the guidance is not specifically concerned with significant bleeding.
Reports
8

Distinct published reports

Individual concerns
10

A report can raise multiple concerns

Date range
2015–2024

First to latest report issue date

Stated actions
17

Described in published responses

Reports over time

Reports over time

Reports about this concern issued each year.

* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.

Most frequent recipients

Most frequent recipients

Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.

Betsi Cadwaladr University LHB1
British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition1
Department of Health and Social Care1
International Academies of Emergency Dispatch1
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust1
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust1
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence1
NHS England1
Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust1
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists1
Shaw Healthcare Limited1
Sheffield Children'S NHS Foundation Trust1
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust1
University Hospital of Wales1
Welsh Government1

Concerns and responses across reports

Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

  1. Essex

    AI-generated summary

    LAURA-JANE KIRSTEN NICOLE SEAMAN · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Laura-Jane Seaman died at Broomfield Hospital on 23 December 2022 following a massive intra-abdominal haemorrhage after a recent vaginal delivery, with subsequent disseminated intravascular coagulation. The principal concerns were failures to recognise and escalate maternal collapse and hypovolaemia, obtain and record vital signs and blood-test results, examine for covert bleeding, activate the major haemorrhage protocol, and provide appropriate senior review. The inquest concluded that her death was avoidable and contributed to by neglect.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Omission of covert bleeding from the Trust Drills & Skills Booklet

    Wider context from the report

    “(2) Laura-Jane was not escalated for hours as a deteriorating patient in accordance with training and national guidance including PROMPT training, or the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Maternal Collapse in Pregnancy and Puerperium (RCOG)Green-top Guideline No.56. The maternal collapse was categorised as a “Faint” by Trust staff and Laura-Jane was treated for potential dehydration (with no apparent risk factors) and administered medication that had only a transient effect. (3) The administration of Metaraminol on the labour ward is rare for a mother who had an uneventful delivery and did not prompt a critical care review with a background of deranged vital signs. (4) There was a focus by midwifery staff on per vaginal bleeding and the hypovolemia was not recognised. The PROMPT training guidance contains illustrations by way of photographs to assist with the assessment of blood loss that focuses on per vaginal bleeding. Covert bleeding is referred to in the context of hypovolemia in a separate place on one line. Covert bleeding is not referred to in the Trust Drills & Skills Booklet. (5) Laura-Jane informed clinical professionals she thought she was haemorrhaging and that she was going to die in a background picture of maternal collapse and prolonged deranged vital signs. This did not trigger Consultant obstetric review, 2222 alert or referral to the critical care outreach team. ”

    Source location

    LAURA-JANE KIRSTEN NICOLE SEAMAN · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to consider bleeding as a cause of maternal deterioration

    Wider context from the report

    “(6) The Trust Executive Review Group (“ERG”) Report was not shared with the Trust Director of Midwifery or the Head of Midwifery at Broomfield Hospital who did not agree with the ERG conclusions that: ‘The absence of escalation to an obstetric consultant was discussed and noted that the team escalated to an anaesthetist, which is usual practice in an obstetric emergency (putting out a call to the medical emergency team would not be common practice).’ ‘The possible reasons why the bleeding was not identified were discussed and it was noted that in maternity cases the absence of vaginal bleeding and with no signs of uterine rupture it would be unlikely that the team would have considered bleeding as a cause of deterioration.’ and gave evidence that this is not in accordance with good clinical practice or national guidelines and training. ”

    Source location

    LAURA-JANE KIRSTEN NICOLE SEAMAN · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Embed deterioration recognition, concealed-bleeding assessment and escalation training in PROMPT, induction, local teaching, drills and written staff communications.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “7) An ‘unwell woman’s’ simulation based on antepartum and postpartum haemorrhage including uterine rupture, abruption, and Vasa Previa, as well as a separate simulation on an anaphylaxis scenario was included in the 2023 PROMPT maternity training for all staff in addition to Human factors training, teamwork, situational awareness, and escalation.”

    Source location

    Response from Mid & South Essex NHS Trust
    Page 8 · response
    Published 18 December 2024

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide guidance on preventing and managing postpartum haemorrhage, including clinical assessment, monitoring, escalation and multidisciplinary response.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The RCOG’s clinical guidance in this context includes the following:”

    Source location

    Response from Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
    Page 3 · response
    Published 18 December 2024

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide guidance on maternal collapse, including early-warning observation, systematic cause identification, ongoing assessment and concealed-haemorrhage diagnosis.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “2. Maternal Collapse in Pregnancy and the Puerperium⁴ (Green-top Guideline No. 56). Clearly states that: “An obstetric modified early warning score chart should be used for all women undergoing”

    Source location

    Response from Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
    Page 3 · response
    Published 18 December 2024

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Implement the OBS UK obstetric bleeding care bundle covering risk assessment, quantitative blood-loss measurement, escalation, and rapid clotting tests.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Since August 2024, the maternity unit at Broomfield hospital has begun the implementation of a new obstetric bleeding strategy. The strategy works alongside current PROMPT recommendations of managing a postpartum haemorrhage already in place at the maternity unit.”

    Source location

    Response from Mid & South Essex NHS Trust
    Page 4 · response
    Published 18 December 2024

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Implement the national MEWS observation package and escalation policy, including trigger-team referral and mandatory maternity-inpatient use.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The service identified these issues in the initial review of the incident. Since Laura-Jane’s death there has been an implementation of a new MEWS package with escalation policy. This includes the trigger response/medical emergency team once a score of 7 or above is reached.”

    Source location

    Response from Mid & South Essex NHS Trust
    Page 6 · response
    Published 18 December 2024

    Open published response
  2. Nottinghamshire

    AI-generated summary

    Theodore Riley Bradley · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Theodore Riley Bradley was born on 14 September 2023 with no heart rate, breathing effort or movement after prolonged intrauterine hypoxia associated with a partial placental abruption. The report identifies a 37-minute delay before his mother was assessed at the maternity triage unit, and states that relevant maternity triage and antepartum haemorrhage policies were not followed. The principal concerns were a failure to respond promptly to vaginal bleeding in pregnancy and wider concerns about the management of antepartum haemorrhage.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to treat bleeding in pregnancy as potentially serious until proven otherwise

    Wider context from the report

    “1, The lack of prompt action when a woman presents with an antepartum haemorrhage (APH). This Inquest revealed a culture within the midwifery team of not acting promptly when there is vaginal bleeding in pregnancy. There was an assumption that there was a benign cause for bleeding, rather than assuming, until proven otherwise that there is a serious cause, such as an abruption, that may require immediate intervention. Well established APH Trust guidance was not followed I set out that difficulty in effectively managing APH is also an accepted issue, for the neighbouring NUH NHS Trust , who are currently reviewing their guidance, and approach to managing APH. It is clearly a regional issue and may be a national one. I am not reassured that necessary actions to address these serious issues identified are in place. ”

    Source location

    Theodore Riley Bradley · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Update, ratify and disseminate the Antepartum Haemorrhage guideline, including immediate assessment, worst-case assumptions, telephone triage, escalation, and documentation requirements.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Trust has reviewed and updated its Antepartum Haemorrhage (APH) guideline to emphasise the clinical importance of bleeding in pregnancy, and the requirement for an immediate assessment of fetal and maternal condition with any degree of bleeding. The guideline now informs staff that best practice is to treat bleeding with an expectation of a worse-case scenario and then de-escalate if appropriate, rather than treating it as benign. A telephone assessment section has been included within the Antepartum Haemorrhage guideline. This includes the need to consider transfer into hospital by ambulance and highlights the need to prepare the midwifery coordinator and obstetric staff in preparation for an incoming admission.”

    Source location

    Narrative Response from Sherwood Forest Hospitals
    Page 1 · response
    Published 1 August 2024

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Disseminate the RED React, Escalate, Diligent prompt cards and associated guidance on managing and escalating bleeding.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “An acronym has been developed within Trust, RED – React, Escalate, Diligent, with guidance next to each point on the expected management of bleeding. This includes reacting to the initial reported blood loss by advising attendance to triage and consideration of calling an ambulance. Escalating to the coordinating midwife, obstetric and triage staff that an attendance with bleeding is anticipated, and being diligent around the assessment of bleeding – preparing for an abnormality until proven otherwise. Prompt cards of the acronym have been disseminated to all clinical areas and shared via email to all staff members, and additional prompt card advising the potential causes of bleeding has been shared alongside this.”

    Source location

    Narrative Response from Sherwood Forest Hospitals
    Page 2 · response
    Published 1 August 2024

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide individualised support and training to staff who do not understand the amended guideline.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The amended guideline received a multidisciplinary review including the obstetric service leads, midwifery matrons, and midwifery staff prior to ratification through the Maternity and Gynaecology Clinical Governance Meeting. Following ratification of the guideline, the updates have been shared with all staff members. The guideline updates have been shared via email and in person on shift handovers, and all staff have been asked to sign a registration sheet as evidence that they have read and understood the amendments. Additional support and training will be provided on an individualised basis to staff that do not understand the changes, this will be supported by their line manager and the practice development midwives.”

    Source location

    Narrative Response from Sherwood Forest Hospitals
    Page 2 · response
    Published 1 August 2024

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Continue multidisciplinary review of Antepartum Haemorrhage cases through the weekly Triggers meeting, escalating incidents and learning when required.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Antepartum Haemorrhage cases will continue to be reviewed through our ‘triggers’ incident review meeting, to ensure that the recommendations within the updated guideline are being followed. ‘Triggers’ is a weekly multidisciplinary case review”

    Source location

    Narrative Response from Sherwood Forest Hospitals
    Page 2 · response
    Published 1 August 2024

    Open published response
  3. North Wales (East and Central)

    AI-generated summary

    Vivienne Greener · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Vivienne Greener was taken by ambulance to Glan Clwyd Hospital after vomiting blood and died there on 20 March 2018 following a massive upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. The report identified concerns including delayed admission and triage, delayed provision of blood products, failures to escalate and trigger haemorrhage pathways, insufficient staffing and the lack of out-of-hours emergency endoscopy.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Upper GI Bleeding Management and Principles of Care guidance no longer fit for purpose

    Wider context from the report

    “6. The Health Board’s Upper GI Bleeding Management and Principles of Care 2022 is no longer fit for purpose; ”

    Source location

    Vivienne Greener · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 4 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Update the Upper GI Bleeding Management and Principles of Care guideline to align with NICE and British Society of Gastroenterology guidance.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “I can confirm this was updated in July 2023 and will be reviewed again in April 2024. This guideline follows the appropriate NICE guidelines and the acute upper GI bleed care bundle from the British Society of Gastroenterology.”

    Source location

    Response from Betso Cadwaladr University Health Board
    Page 6 · response
    Published 28 December 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The upper gastrointestinal bleeding guideline was updated, follows NICE and British Society of Gastroenterology guidance, and is scheduled for review.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Upper GI Bleeding Management and Principles of Care 2022 is no longer fit for purpose”

    Source location

    Response from Betso Cadwaladr University Health Board
    Page 6 · response
    Published 28 December 2023

    Open published response
  4. Dorset

    AI-generated summary

    Kenneth Michael Adams · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Kenneth Michael Adams suffered a scalp laceration after an accidental fall on 19 October 2021. He experienced persistent bleeding while taking clopidogrel, but an ambulance did not arrive until 11.56am; he later died in hospital. The principal concerns were that the Medical Priority Despatch System did not adequately account for persistent scalp bleeding, the high blood flow in the scalp, or antiplatelet medication when prioritising the ambulance response.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure of MPDS to account for the duration of persistent bleeding

    Wider context from the report

    “1. During the inquest evidence was heard that: i. A patient, prescribed either antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication, falling and sustaining a scalp laceration that is not “spurting or pouring blood” (the MPDS definition of “uncontrolled bleeding”), will never reach an MPDS disposition that results in a prioritisation higher than category 3, regardless of how long the bleeding has been persisting, unless the patient becomes unconscious or stops breathing. I heard evidence that the scalp is an area of high venous blood flow, such that a laceration to the scalp is capable of bleeding significantly. However, because of the nature of the blood supply in this area, the wound will not “spurt or pour” blood, so with the current iteration of MPDS a wound in this area of the body can never be considered as “serious haemorrhage”. Despite this, when assessing the seriousness of a bleed that does not meet the criteria for a “serious haemorrhage”, the MPDS algorithm does not allow for consideration of any delay in treatment or for the consideration of medications that may either exacerbate the extent of a bleed or prevent the blood from clotting to stop the bleed. For a patient such as Mr Adams, prescribed antiplatelet medication, there is a considerable risk that the bleeding will persist until the wound is closed, such that a delay in receiving treatment, where the wound continues to bleed, leaves the patient at risk of developing hypovolaemic shock. 2. I have concerns with regard to the following: i. Where a patient on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy sustains a fall and scalp laceration, the questions forming the MPDS protocol designed to assess the seriousness of the bleed and the prioritisation of an ambulance resource do not allow for consideration of the period of the time the bleeding has persisted from an area of high vascular blood flow or the medication prescribed. Therefore, in circumstances where the bleeding has persisted for a considerable time and where there is no evidence of the bleeding stopping, it seems the MPDS disposition reached would always be 17-b-01, with a consequent category 3 priority, which does not account for the increasing seriousness of the patient’s predicament and the potential consequences of the continued blood loss. ”

    Source location

    Kenneth Michael Adams · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Implement new language defining SERIOUS Haemorrhage and structuring its Key Question to identify persistent, uncontrolled bleeding more definitively.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “1. The IAED is currently implementing new language designed to better define the term SERIOUS Haemorrhage and structure the related Key Question in a way that persistent, uncontrolled bleeding is more definitively qualified as SERIOUS Haemorrhage. It is recommended that UK Ambulance Trusts educate EMDs that uncontrolled bleeding should be considered SERIOUS Haemorrhage until proven otherwise.”

    Source location

    Response from International Academics of Emergency Dispatch
    Page 2 · response
    Published 24 March 2023

    Open published response
  5. West Sussex

    AI-generated summary

    James William Francis · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    James William Francis, who had a history of falls and balance difficulties, suffered an unwitnessed fall at his care home on 9 April 2017 and later developed repeated vomiting and deterioration. He was admitted to hospital with a large subdural haematoma and died on 11 April 2017. The principal concerns included failures in shift handover and monitoring, delays in seeking medical advice, inadequate information provided to paramedics, the patient’s positioning, staff training, and whether relevant guidelines sufficiently addressed this type of injury in elderly patients.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    NICE guidelines inadequately addressing slow intracranial bleeding after falls in elderly patients

    Wider context from the report

    “The suggestion was that the existing guidelines may not sufficiently address the fact that this type of slow bleed fall in the elderly also needs to be considered i.e non-traumatic head injury leading to a shearing effect on the brain. The suggestion was that this type of slow bleed may take significantly longer to manifest in terms of observable symptoms such as a change in alertness or persistent vomiting. It certainly seems that the care home staff did not make the connection As a result, this raises concerns as to whether this type of incident which must be frequent in the elderly is adequately taken into account in relevant NICE guidelines ”

    Source location

    James William Francis · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Conduct the ongoing surveillance review of the head injury guideline to determine whether it requires updating.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The guideline is currently undergoing a surveillance review exercise to determine whether it should be updated. As a result of your report, the review is likely to conclude that an update is required so that it is clearer that the guideline applies to indirect head injury (for example, by making the definition more accessible to users). A final surveillance review decision is due to be published in September 2019.”

    Source location

    2019-0202-Response-by-NICE
    Page 1 · response
    Published 23 August 2019

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Publish the final surveillance review decision in September 2019.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The guideline is currently undergoing a surveillance review exercise to determine whether it should be updated. As a result of your report, the review is likely to conclude that an update is required so that it is clearer that the guideline applies to indirect head injury (for example, by making the definition more accessible to users). A final surveillance review decision is due to be published in September 2019.”

    Source location

    2019-0202-Response-by-NICE
    Page 1 · response
    Published 23 August 2019

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    NICE guidelines do not apply to the organisation, so it will not undertake work to address their adequacy.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “6) Adequacy of NICE guidelines - which do not apply to ourselves, we note that a response is required from the Chief Executive of NICE. We will of course fully work to any revisited set of NICE guidelines.”

    Source location

    2019-0202-Response-by-Shaw-Healthcare
    Page 1 · response
    Published 23 August 2019

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The Chief Executive of NICE is responsible for responding to concerns about the adequacy of NICE guidelines.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “6) Adequacy of NICE guidelines - which do not apply to ourselves, we note that a response is required from the Chief Executive of NICE. We will of course fully work to any revisited set of NICE guidelines.”

    Source location

    2019-0202-Response-by-Shaw-Healthcare
    Page 1 · response
    Published 23 August 2019

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Existing NICE head-injury guidance already applies to injuries caused by both direct and indirect trauma.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “We have considered the circumstances surrounding Mr Francis’ death and the concerns raised in your report and in particular the concerns that existing NICE guidance on head injury may not be appropriate for instances where a person experiences a non-direct head trauma.”

    Source location

    2019-0202-Response-by-NICE
    Page 1 · response
    Published 23 August 2019

    Open published response
  6. Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley

    AI-generated summary

    David Wade · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    David Wade, who was receiving Warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation, developed severe headaches, vomiting and collapse on 14 June 2016. A CT scan showed a non-survivable cerebellar haemorrhage; the report identified concern that there was no system for providing anticoagulant patients with information about brain-bleed symptoms and what action to take.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of literature informing anticoagulant therapy patients about the steps to take in response to a brain bleed

    Wider context from the report

    “Patients who are provided with anti-coagulant therapy are at an increased risk of the development of haemorrhagic strokes. There appears to be no system in place to provide patients with literature setting out the symptoms of a bleed on the brain and the steps that patients should take in response. ”

    Source location

    David Wade · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report
  7. Manchester North

    AI-generated summary

    Mr James Mc Manus · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Mr James Mc Manus was admitted with acute lower limb ischaemia requiring thrombolysis and subsequently developed bleeding and hypovolaemic shock. He died on 3 November 2013 following recognised but rare complications of medical intervention; concerns included failures to follow protocols for managing thrombolytic-associated bleeding and massive blood loss.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of staff knowledge, application and implementation of guidelines for managing bleeding associated with thrombolytic therapy

    Wider context from the report

    “1. I am concerned about the lack of knowledge, application and implementation of key protocols by Trust staff – in particular, guidelines for the management of bleeding associated with thrombolytic therapy and the management of massive blood loss. ”

    Source location

    Mr James Mc Manus · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of staff knowledge, application and implementation of protocols for managing massive blood loss

    Wider context from the report

    “1. I am concerned about the lack of knowledge, application and implementation of key protocols by Trust staff – in particular, guidelines for the management of bleeding associated with thrombolytic therapy and the management of massive blood loss. ”

    Source location

    Mr James Mc Manus · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Circulate and maintain the new thrombolysis policy on the Trust intranet.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• New Thrombolysis Policy drafted November 2014 prior to inquest (please see attached in appendix 1). The new Thrombolysis policy was circulated and is now available on the Trust Intranet. All Critical Care staff have had a series of Training sessions in the care of the thrombolysed patient which was provided by the Vascular and Radiology Consultants. The session dates were held on the following dates, 14th and 27th October 2014 and on 10th and 24th November 2014.”

    Source location

    2015-0097-Response-by-Pennine-Acute-Hospitals-NHS-Trust
    Page 1 · response
    Published 13 March 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Deliver thrombolysis and bleeding-risk training to Critical Care staff.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• New Thrombolysis Policy drafted November 2014 prior to inquest (please see attached in appendix 1). The new Thrombolysis policy was circulated and is now available on the Trust Intranet. All Critical Care staff have had a series of Training sessions in the care of the thrombolysed patient which was provided by the Vascular and Radiology Consultants. The session dates were held on the following dates, 14th and 27th October 2014 and on 10th and 24th November 2014.”

    Source location

    2015-0097-Response-by-Pennine-Acute-Hospitals-NHS-Trust
    Page 1 · response
    Published 13 March 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Deliver mandatory training on thrombolysis policies and associated bleeding risks to medical staff.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Development of a training presentation incorporating the policies and guidelines regarding Thrombolysis and management of associated bleeding risks. This presentation will take place on 22nd May 2015, during the Clinical Governance Audit session, attendance is mandatory for all levels of medical staff. ████████, Vascular Surgeon and ████████ Clinical Lead for Anaesthetics will lead on this presentation. Prior to the audit day the Directorate Manager for Vascular Surgery will ensure that all levels of Vascular medical staff receive copies of the policies to be discussed.”

    Source location

    2015-0097-Response-by-Pennine-Acute-Hospitals-NHS-Trust
    Page 1 · response
    Published 13 March 2015

    Open published response
  8. West Yorkshire Eastern

    AI-generated summary

    Lexie Louise Harrison · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Lexie Louise Harrison, who had Infantile Refsum Disease, underwent an unsuccessful attempt to band an oesophageal varix on 30 May 2013, which caused trauma and extensive bleeding. Her condition deteriorated and she died at home on 18 June 2013; the medical cause of death was recorded as liver failure and Infantile Refsum Disease. The concerns included the absence of relevant policies or guidelines at two trusts and a lack of standardisation in practice, including decisions about banding, assessment, post-endoscopy care, management of bleeding, and consultant competence.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of defined assessment and management steps for variceal bleeding

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has a policy in place and/or guidelines dealing with paediatric endoscopy procedures for the banding of an oesophageal varix/oesophageal varices (“the procedure”). Neither Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust nor Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has such a policy and/or guidelines. Both of the latter Trusts have undertaken the said procedure for many years. (2) There is no standardisation of practises (either locally or nationally) adopted by Consultants when undertaking the said procedure, by reason predominantly of there being no national policy and/or guidelines in relation thereto. Such a national policy and/or guidelines should address the following:- (a) Precise definitions of the grades of oesophageal varices; (b) Which grades of varices should be subject to banding and which should not; (c) Those patients who are to be deemed suitable for placing on a banding programme and those who are not; (d) Once a patient is placed on a banding programme, the assessment process to be adopted prior to the said patient undergoing each procedure; (e) Post endoscopy care, for example, the administration of sucralfate, frequency of basic observations; (f) The steps to be taken to properly assess for and manage variceal bleeding, for example, the immediate use of antibiotics; (g) The circumstances in which a Consultant is deemed to be competent to undertake the procedure alone or with supervision. ”

    Source location

    Lexie Louise Harrison · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Share Leeds emergency variceal-management guidelines with referring trusts.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “These guidelines are very similar to those used in both London and Birmingham and we have shared the Leeds guidelines with our referring Trusts including Sheffield Children’s Hospital.”

    Source location

    2015-0070-Response-by-The-Leeds-Teaching-Hospitals-NHS-Trust
    Page 2 · response
    Published 20 February 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The concerns cannot be pursued personally because involvement would create an obvious competing interest in the index case.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “(ii) I have handed over the Chair of the BSPGHAN Endoscopy Working Group (EWG) to a Consultant colleague ████████ who is employed as a Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist in the Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. Clearly this makes her involvement as the new chair impossible given an obvious competing interest in the index case. Neither should I attempt to take your request forward in a personal capacity.”

    Source location

    2015-0070-Response-by-University-Hospital-of-Wales
    Page 2 · response
    Published 20 February 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The concerns should be directed to the BSPGHAN President, because they concern complex liver disease and portal hypertension beyond endoscopic banding alone.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “(iii) I think (irrespective of (ii) above) that a matter of this importance would be better directed to the BSPGHAN President rather than the Chair of the EWG. He is copied in to this response and would be pleased to receive your request and then offer a formal reply on behalf of BSPGHAN. The main reason for this is that your concerns are related to the care of children with complex liver disease and the complication of portal hypertension rather than purely the procedure of the endoscopic banding of varices.”

    Source location

    2015-0070-Response-by-University-Hospital-of-Wales
    Page 2 · response
    Published 20 February 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Organisations such as RCPCH, JAG, NICE or the NHS are better placed to advance and compel the requested national change.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “(v) Alternatively and / or in addition, you may wish to direct your concerns to organisations within the UK that have more power and influence than our relatively small and poorly resourced society. They would almost certainly come to BSPGHAN for advice / direction but may be better placed to take matters forward and compel the change that you seek. Examples would be the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, JAG, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) or the NHS itself.”

    Source location

    2015-0070-Response-by-University-Hospital-of-Wales
    Page 2 · response
    Published 20 February 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Current guidelines are considered sufficient for post-operative care and management of bleeding varices, including after prophylactic banding.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In relation to parts (e) and (f), post-operative care is the same whether the patient undergoes prophylactic banding or banding after bleeding, and the Leeds team will follow their current guidelines as for management of bleeding varices.”

    Source location

    2015-0070-Response-by-The-Leeds-Teaching-Hospitals-NHS-Trust
    Page 3 · response
    Published 20 February 2015

    Open published response
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Data last updated 7 September 2026