Investigation and inquest
On 06/10/2021 I commenced an investigation into the death of Michael Nestor WYSOCKYJY aged 66. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 11/05/2022. The medical cause of death was:
1a) Haemopneumothorax
1b) Ruptured Emphysematous Bulla
1c) Infective Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
1d)
2 Chronic Ischaemic Heart Disease, Diabetes Mellitus
The conclusion of the inquest was: Mr Wysockyj died from a pneumothorax which was not identified until shortly before his death..
Circumstances of the death
Mr Wysockyj had a significant medical history. On 20 September 2021 Mr Wysockyj felt very unwell and was taken by ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital arriving at 18:28 hours. Due to the hospital being very busy, Mr Wysockyj was not taken into the hospital but was seen and assessed on the ambulance. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital at 22:21 hours. A chest x-ray and a portable chest x-ray were not carried out as Mr Wysockyj was admitted to the Red Ward. Mr Wysockyj became increasingly restless and agitated which further delayed an x-ray being carried out. He received medication and personal care. At shortly before 02:00 hours it was recognised his agitation was due to low oxygen levels and Critical Care were contacted. At 03:55 hours radiography identified a large right sided pneumothorax. Shortly afterwards Mr Wysockyj went into cardiac arrest. Despite attempts at resuscitation, Mr Wysockyj was pronounced dead at 04:42 hours.
Coroner’s concerns
This incident has been investigated by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and much work has been put into place to prevent future deaths occurring. However, there do remain matters of concern.
1. The ED was busy at the time and unable to offload ambulances. An x-ray cannot be carried out on an ambulance and must wait until the patient is in ED. If the patient remains on the ambulance for several hours this can delay the x-ray taking place.
2. The need for an x-ray remains with the nurse, nurse in charge and/or doctor. If an x-ray is not carried out, the request remains with the nurse, nurse in charge and/or doctor and it was not clear from the evidence there is anything in place to ensure this is escalated and the x-ray takes place. This is something that can be missed in a busy department.