Investigation and inquest
On 08/05/2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of Jane Helen Robinson, 55. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 10 February 2015. The conclusion of the inquest was Natural causes. Jane Robinson was known to have alcoholic liver disease with ascites and was admitted to the Leicester Royal Infirmary on the 16th April 2014 with shortness of breath. Despite treatment she died on the 4th May 2014 at the hospital. At the time it was believed that she had died from sepsis due to spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. However, no positive evidence of sepsis was found at the post mortem examination and there was no positive microbiology in life. The cause of her death was found to be 1a) Systemic inflammatory response syndrome 1b) Decompensated hepatic failure 1c) Hepatic cirrhosis 1d) Alcoholic liver disease and hepatitis C infection. Therefore, although she was not observed in accordance with her needs, this shortfall in her care did not contribute to her death.
Circumstances of the death
Miss Robinson was known to have alcoholic liver disease with ascites and recent admissions to hospital with hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. She was then re-admitted with shortness of breath on the 16th April 2014 and had a transjugular intra hepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) on the 30th April 2014. After the TIPS procedure she developed an increased white cell count and deteriorating coagulation. It was thought that she was suffering from spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she died on the 4th May 2014.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) Basic observations reportedly not being recorded
(2) No evidence of on-going senior review on each shift whereby shortfalls in observations would be detected at an early stage
(3) Lack of written decision making rational in relation to the frequency of observation
(4) No evidence of any reporting system of healthcare professionals that do not practice in accordance with accepted standards and no evidence of support given to those who do report.