Investigation and inquest
Inquests conducted on the 25th September 2014 at Scunthorpe (Maurice Cowling deceased) 3rd February 2015 at Cleethorpes (Leonard Ireland deceased) and 5th March 2015 at Cleethorpes (Robert Cannon deceased) conducted in each case were connected directly or indirectly to hemiarthroplasty.
Circumstances of the death
In the cases of the late Mr. Cowling and Mr. Connor the deaths occurred as the direct result of the procedure. In the case of the late Mr. Ireland death occurred later as the result of complications arising from the procedure.
Coroner’s concerns
Despite evidence of the rarity of deaths occurring as a consequence of such procedures three cases have received the attention of the Coroner within a short period. Two procedures were carried out within the Trust, the third (Mr. Connon) by St Hugh’s Hospital under an NHS contract. In the latter case the deceased was transferred to a Trust hospital for emergency management.
Evidence led in the cases raise concerns that resources within the Trust area may be inadequate to deal with recognised complications occurring either during the procedure or later