Investigation and inquest
On 2nd November 2012 I commenced an investigation into the death of Jessica Florence Ashton-Pyatt, Age 14. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 30th August 2013. The conclusion of the inquest was spontaneous rupture of the stomach of uncertain cause; verdict was natural causes.
Circumstances of the death
On 28th October 2012 Jessica became acutely unwell. On admission to the Accident and Emergency Unit at Pilgrim Hospital she was in extremis. Resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. Post mortem showed her cause of death to be a ruptured stomach of uncertain, but natural cause.
Coroner’s concerns
The response of the staff to Jessica's care on admission was unco-ordinated, with the immediate care being delivered by an SpR in anaesthetics and two EMAS paramedics. There was initially no consultant leadership of Jessica's care. The defibrillator in the resuscitation bay was not charged and no defibrillation pads were initially available.