Investigation and inquest
On 3 June 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of John Charles Leyin. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 2 December 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was that Mr Leyin died as a result of a recognised complication of a necessary medical procedure. The cause of death was 1a) Iatrogenic lung injury 1b) nasogastric tube insertion 1c) intracerebral haemorrhage
Circumstances of the death
Mr Leyin was admitted to Basildon Hospital on 10 April 2013 suffering from a stroke. He failed to recover and there were serious difficulties with feeding arrangements. A PEG could not be inserted successfully and a nasogastric tube was in place into Mr Leyin’s lung. He continued to deteriorate and died on 1 June 2013.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) There was a failure on the part of the Hospital to ensure the dissemination of Trust Policy and NPSA Guidance to all staff.
(2) There were weaknesses in the training systems in place
(3) Checks were not made as to whether or not staff were up to date in their training for carrying out procedures such as the insertion of a nasogastric tube.
(4) At any one time there seemed to be a lack of knowledge as to how many trained staff were on duty to carry out such procedures