Mrs Rita Flynn · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 30 May 2022, I commenced an investigation into the death of Mrs Rita Flynn. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 20 June 2022. The conclusion of the inquest was a narrative conclusion as follows:

The deceased died after developing complications arising from a lung abscess.

The cause of death was:

1a Right Upper Lobe Purulent Abscess (no tumour)

i) Mrs Flynn was a 78-Year-old woman who contacted her GP after feeling ill with flu like symptoms. She had a telephone consultation on the 12 January 2022.

ii) She was given antibiotics and also advised to take a COVID PCR test. Initially her condition improved and the COVID test was negative.

iii) Subsequent Blood tests results later revealed that she had raised potassium levels and indicators for infection. She was directed to go to New Cross Hospital for further examination on 20 January 2022.

iv) After further tests including x-ray and a CT scan, a differential diagnosis of malignancy or infection was made. She wasn't given any further antibiotics at this stage and effectively discharged home for further follow up treatment.

v) By the 3 February 2022 her condition declined further, and she complained of shortness of breath associated with haemoptysis and was taken to New Cross Hospital by ambulance.

vi) Further blood tests were taken and before the blood tests results were available she was discharged home on the basis she had a malignancy and didn't require immediate admission to hospital.

vii) Blood tests later indicated positive signs of infection.

viii) Her condition declined rapidly and sadly she passed away at home on the 4 February 2022.

1. Evidence emerged during the inquest that there were clear indicators of an infection and before being discharged home by the hospital, it would have been best practice to wait for the blood tests results.