Woman died from food poisoning after Christmas Day lunch
Health Protection Agency confirms outbreak of food poisoning affected 30 people
Posted on 07 January 2013
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed that a group of some people have reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness after eating a Christmas Day lunch at a pub in Hornchurch, Essex. Very sadly one of the people affected has since died showing the seriousness of food poisoning in rare cases. The HPA has confirmed that Clostridium perfringens bacteria were present in samples sent to the organisation by those affected, including the woman who died.
The family of the woman who died are reported to have written to complain to Queen’s Hospital, Romford after Della Callagher was sent home the same day that she attended the accident and emergency unit. She received an anti-sickness injection at the hospital but her condition deteriorated rapidly and she died 24 hours after being sent home.
Mr Callagher, is reported to be planning to sue Barking, Havering and Redbridge Trust, which runs Queen’s Hospital, and the pub where he and his wife ate the meal that poisoned them.
Consumer claims solicitor Michelle Victor has acted for a number of people who have suffered debilitating attacks of food poisoning both in the UK and abroad and has successfully secured compensation for many clients. She said:
“Our thoughts are with the Callagher family. This case highlights the terrible impact that severe food poisoning can cause. The fundamental priority is to establish if there is a link to a potential source, while at the same time determining whether recognised hygiene and other safety standards were implemented and adhered to.
"Reports of these problems are clearly a huge cause for concern and whilst that the HPA and local authorities have acted promptly within the past week to investigate this incident we need to ensure that adequate funding is put in place to ensure regular audits are carried out on all establishments serving food to ensure the appropriate standards are maintained and the public are adequately protected. It is absolutely vital that every effort is made to understand what happened here with a view to preventing the same problems from occurring again.”
If you would like to speak to Michelle about a food poisoning claims please call her now for a free consultation on 020 7650 1141.