Investigation and inquest
On 04/07/2018 I commenced an investigation into the death of Marcie Joan TADMAN.
The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest 12th March 2019.
The conclusion of the inquest was Natural Causes Contributed to by Neglect
Circumstances of the death
Marcie Tadman died on 5th December 2017 at Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath. She had been admitted to hospital on 4th December 2017 with pneumonia and parapneumonic effusion. She was not referred to the regional unit for treatment of this condition. She had sepsis and there was a failure to recognise and to manage and/or treat sepsis. There were failures to follow the procedures and protocols set nationally or by the hospital. The communication each and every time when discussing Marcie between members of the team was unsatisfactory. All handovers failed to take the opportunity to review Marcie with fresh eyes. The combination of: poor communications between all staff caring for Marcie; the failure to follow any hospital protocols; the lack of proactive review and poor decision making came together to contribute to her death.
The medical cause of death:
1a Disseminated group A streptococcal infection including empyema, bronchopneumonia and pyelonephritis
Coroner’s concerns
RUH
• I heard from the independent expert Dr. Ninis that the only opportunity for Marcie to be picked up with fresh eyes would have been at another ward.
I understand that this would be an opportunity for a Consultant to take a step back and review the notes, charts, PEWS and results; examine the patient and to make a plan. In Marcie’s case everyone agreed that all of the information was there in her records but no one carried out this exercise; there was and is no second word round on the paediatric ward at the RUH.
I indicated to the RUH that I had received further information from ████████ in relation to a second word round and this is attached.
Accountable Offices for BANES CCG
• I was also made aware at the inquest that there is no High Dependency Unit (HDU) facility on the RUH paediatric ward for children in their care and this was something that they were hoping to provide but needed to create a business case to the Accountable Offices for BANES CCG for this.
In Marcie’s case she should/would have been placed in such a unit had one been at the RUH at the time.