Investigation and inquest
On 11th September 2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of John Michael Matthews born 1st March 1934. The investigation concluded on the 8th January 2015 and the conclusion was one of Natural Causes. The medical cause of death was 1a Aspiration Pneumonia 1b Haemorrhagic Hydrocephalus 1c Spontaneous Subarachnoid Haemorrhage 11. Diabetes, Hypertension.
Circumstances of the death
This section is present but empty in the published report.
Coroner’s concerns
1. Whilst in the Emergency Department at Stepping Hill Hospital, he was triaged without the triage nurse having seen the ambulance Patient Report Form.
2. The doctor having care of him in the E.D. was a locum doctor working his first (and only) shift at the hospital. That doctor told me that he could not find the PRF nor could he access the complete computerised system.
3. It was agreed by the ED consultant giving evidence that neurological observations ought to have been instituted, but they were not.
4. There was an unnecessary and to some extent unexplained delay in sending him for a CT scan of his head.