Investigation and inquest
On 19th August 2021 I commenced an investigation into the death of Alphonso Alexander SHEARER. The investigation concluded on the 28th March 2022 and the conclusion was one of Narrative: Died from the complications of catheterisation not diagnosed until shortly before his death.
The medical cause of death was 1a Urosepsis on a background of catheterisation; 1b Chronic kidney disease; II Oesophageal carcinoma, Hypertension
Circumstances of the death
Alphonso Alexander Shearer had oesophageal cancer and lost a significant amount of weight due to poor swallow. He was admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary with acute urinary retention. He was catheterised to treat the urinary retention. He was discharged home with a catheter in place. Over the weekend of 14th and 15th August he had symptoms consistent with a urinary tract infection, a recognised complication of catheterisation. He was not seen by a GP. A urine sample was requested. On 17th August antibiotics he could not swallow were prescribed. He was not seen by a GP. At about 12:45pm a paramedic employed by the GP practice saw him and diagnosed suspected sepsis and called an ambulance. Whilst he was being transferred to the ambulance at his home address ████████, he collapsed and died. Post-mortem examination confirmed he had died from urosepsis.
Coroner’s concerns
1. The inquest heard that Mr Shearer was frail and vulnerable with very poor swallow. When prescribing the clinicians did not recognise or have a system to flag up the need for liquid antibiotics rather than tablet antibiotics. This led to him not being able to commence antibiotics on the day he was identified as needing them. The inquest heard that it is important that in the community particularly for the vulnerable there is a system for recognising what form of antibiotics are most appropriate to prescribe for avoid delay.
2. The inquest heard that the ASK MY GP system had been challenging for those involved with Mr Shearer and had made communication harder. The evidence identified that this was a particular issue for more vulnerable patients and their families.
3. The inquest heard that he had not been seen face to face by a GP and that meant that the full extent of his deterioration was not recognised until he was seen by a paramedic from the practice who called an ambulance.