Hospital trust admits mother’s death from missed pulmonary embolism was avoidable as family receives settlement

The trust admitted that had she received the right treatment when she first in hospital, she would probably have survived.

The woman, who we have called Helen, went to an A&E department with shortness of breath which was becoming worse.

A blood test came back with abnormal results, but the hospital did not carry out any further tests or treatment.

Doctors considered whether Helen might have a pulmonary embolism, a dangerous blood clot in the lungs that can be life-threatening if not treated quickly, but no further action was taken and she was discharged from A&E the same day.

Five days later, Helen died from a pulmonary embolism.

Helen's family were represented at inquest by Leigh Day medical negligence partner Suzanne White and solicitor Lily Hedgman.

Following the inquest, the family instructed Leigh Day investigate a claim against the NHS trust responsible for Helen's care.

The trust admitted it was responsible for Helen’s death, with an A&E consultant doctor accepting failures of care. The trust admitted that had a further test for a pulmonary embolism been carried out and the issue identified, Helen would have received blood thinner treatment and likely not have died.

Leigh Day partner Suzanne White said:

"Our clients lost their mother in circumstances that were found to be entirely avoidable. While no legal outcome can make up for their loss, we hope that resolving this claim has helped provide some answers about what happened and justice for the family.

“Pulmonary embolisms are very serious, but they can be treated successfully when they are identified quickly. This case serves as an important reminder of the need to thoroughly investigate patients where there is a possibility of a serious underlying condition.

"We hope lessons can be learned from this case to help prevent other families from going through a similar tragedy.”

Leigh Day instructed counsel Matthew Barnes of 1 Crown Office Row.