Investigation and inquest
On 17 November 2022 an investigation was commenced into the death of Jennifer Ruth Whinney aged 68. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 17 November 2023. I made a determination at inquest that Jennifer died of multi-organ failure following septicaemia from infective PICC lines and following successful surgery to repair a bowel fistula. The medical cause of death was 1a. multi-organ failure, 1b. septicaemia, 1c. recurrent line sepsis, enterocutaneous fistula repair, 2. ischaemic heart disease, hypertensive heart disease.
Circumstances of the death
In 2017 Jennifer underwent an emergency resection of her left colon and a stoma formation at Queens Hospital due to an ischaemic bowel. A small area of the wound failed to heal and she was reviewed at Queens Hospital on several occasions in 2021 and 2022. She then presented to Queens Hospital as an emergency on 19 April 2022 when a large wound had opened up and was discharging fluid and bowel contents. A scan revealed a fistula. She was managed conservatively to see if the fistula would heal by itself and this included inserting a PICC line to administer nutrition so that the bowel could be rested. She had no problems with her PICC line whilst at Queens Hospital.
She referred to the Colorectal Specialist Team at the Royal London Hospital and seen in late May. At her initial appointment, her medical records were not sent with her and the surgeon reviewing her only had a referral letter.
Jennifer was admitted to the Royal London Hospital on 12 July 2022 in preparation for surgery. She developed numerous infections to her PICC lines which led to sepsis.
Jennifer underwent surgery to repair her bowel on 7 October 2022. The operation was uneventful and she recovered well. She then developed a further infection to her PICC line and died from multi-organ failure caused by septicaemia.
Coroner’s concerns
Jennifer was referred to the colorectal specialist team at the Royal London Hospital and seen in late May. The witnesses were unable to give me the exact date of the appointment. Jennifer’s notes were not sent to the appointment with her. I heard that patient records at Queens Hospital are not electronic. Ward staff compile the notes which are sent physically with the patient if they attend any external appointment. I heard that no one person has responsibility for ensuring that the notes are sent.
Jennifer was articulate and understood her health problems well and so was able to provide the colorectal surgeon with her medical background. I am concerned that another patient may not be able to provide such a full and accurate history and that critical information may not be passed on.