Investigation and inquest
On the 19th of April 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Gwilym Pugh Jones (DOB 24.2.40, DOD 16.4.13). The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 19th of September 2013. The conclusion of the inquest was Accidental Death and the medical cause of death was 1(a) Sepsis 1(b) Peritonitis and Toxic Mega Colon 1(c) Pseudomembranous Colitis (Clostridium Difficile Infection) 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Lacunar Anterior Circulation Stroke.
Circumstances of the death
1. The Deceased had been admitted to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital on the 14th of March 2013 due to an apparent stroke. Whilst a patient at this hospital he developed symptoms which were suggestive of the Clostridium Difficile infection and on the 11th of April by an attending clinician that a stool sample be sent for analysis. This was not done.
2. At the final inquest hearing evidence was given by ████████ regarding the treatment of Mr Jones and he was unable to account for the failure of obtaining and testing a stool sample and he indicated that it is possible that the final outcome may have been different had this condition been diagnosed and treated sooner.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) Tests were not conducted despite being required by a clinician and this resulted in a missed opportunity to provide a diagnosis and treatment.