Investigation and inquest
On 22nd July 2016 I commenced an investigation into the death of Christopher Allen MacMORLAND (D.O.B. 13/10/1951). The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 1st November 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was:
Medical cause of death:
- Ia: Multiple Organ Failure
- Ib: Sepsis
- Ic: Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and Pelvic Abscess
- II: Myocarditis, Cardiac Hypertrophy, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Oesophagectomy for Carcinoma of the Oesophagus 2012.
Coroner's Conclusion as to the death: Death due to Natural Causes.
Circumstances of the death
Mr MacMORLAND was admitted to Queen Alexandra Hospital between 14th and 20th October 2015 having had difficulty feeding. A feeding tube was inserted and he returned home. He was readmitted to the hospital on 10th November 2015 with abdominal pain and distension, feeling generally unwell. Despite treatment, his condition deteriorated and he died at the hospital on 5th December 2015.
Coroner’s concerns
I was told in evidence at the Inquest that despite Mr MacMORLAND being under the care of consultant gastroenterologists during his final admission to hospital he was at no time treated in a specialist gastroenterology ward - even though the consultants had during that time requested such a transfer on five separate occasions. Given the nature of his medical problems, from the evidence I heard, I am of the opinion that he could have benefited from the expertise and facilities available in a gastroenterology ward which might have had an effect on the outcome. I was also told that it is common for consultants' requests for patient transfer to specialist wards not to be implemented.