Investigation and inquest
On 10 February 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Peter Jeffrey, then aged 53. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 25 November 2013. The conclusion of the inquest was that the left foot ulcer was not tested and consequently went untreated.
1(a) Septicaemia
1(b) Fractured left ankle joint with abscess formation
1(c) Infection with beta haemolytic streptococci
Circumstances of the death
Mr Jeffrey worked for the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall. His job involved being on his feet for up to 8 hours a day.
In July 2012 he developed a swollen left leg and foot. Mr Jeffrey saw his GP who prescribed 2 courses of antibiotics.
On 10 August 2012 his employers accompanied him to the A&E Department at Guys and St. Thomas’ as he had been in pain and limping at work. He was referred to the DVT team for a scan. As a precaution he was given Clexane injections. Blood tests revealed a raised D-dimer and mild anaemia.
He returned to the hospital on 14 August when he was advised to go to his GP for Clexane injections over the weekend and to return on the 17th for a scan.
On 17 August 2012 he returned to the hospital for an ultra sound scan which was negative. The Doctor was unable to feel foot pulses in the left foot and noted an open blister on the left side of the foot and speculated that the foot was the cause of the infection to the leg. Mr Jeffrey was given further antibiotics for suspected Deep Vein Thrombosis.
On 10 February 2013 Mr Jeffrey collapsed at home and died from his condition.
Coroner’s concerns
1. The scans did not reveal DVT and no alternative effective diagnosis or treatment was considered.
2. No culture was taken for testing from the open blister which was full of pus.
3. No swab was taken.
4. No intravenous antibiotics were considered.