Investigation and inquest
On 7 March 2023 I commenced an investigation into the death of Chamali Bibi, aged 39 years.
The inquest was listed for 15 August 2023, but the investigation was not concluded until the end of the inquest on 25 September 2024.
I made a narrative determination at inquest, which I now attach.
Circumstances of the death
Ms Bibi underwent a right periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) on 01.03.23, during which she suffered haemorrhagic shock that led to a stroke that evening.
Coroner’s concerns
As you will see from the narrative determination attached, there were several matters requiring attention at the Royal London Hospital. However, I do not intend to make a prevention of future deaths (PFD) report to Barts Health, because I was given undertakings in court that these matters have already been addressed.
The issue that I bring to your attention is this. At inquest, I heard evidence that PAOs should only be conducted by surgeons expert in this procedure. I heard that only those undertaking this procedure frequently, with mentor feedback on the surgery taking into account the post operative imaging, can gain the necessary experience to become expert.
However, the majority of the surgeons on the specialist register are the only practitioners within their trust performing the surgery and the majority undertake fewer than ten per annum each. Further, the register is voluntary. Outliers do not appear to have been flagged.
It is not clear to me whether all trusts recognise that the PAO is a different procedure, rather than simply being a different technique.