Investigation and inquest
On 25 January 2023, I commenced an investigation into the death of William Hewes aged 22 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest earlier today. I made a narrative determination, which I attach.
Circumstances of the death
William was a fit and healthy young man who died from meningococcal septicaemia.
Coroner’s concerns
William’s life threatening condition was recognised immediately he attended hospital, but he did not receive the necessary treatment as promptly as he should have done. The cause of the delay was multi factorial.
I heard at inquest that the Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust has done a great deal of work since William’s death to try to avoid this sort of situation arising in the future.
If future patients at the Homerton can benefit from William’s death, then why not future patients elsewhere? It seems to me that there would be great merit in sharing the learning nationally.