Kent and Canterbury Hospital
NHS / Health Body
Action Taken
The hospital has implemented a policy that all Myelodysplastic Syndrome patients undergoing frequent red cell transfusions and being referred for a bone marrow transplant will have their ferritin levels measured. (AI summary)
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Dear Madam
Mr Neil Hickman – PFD Response
Thank you for your Prevention of Future Death (PFD) Report dated 28 February 2022 sent pursuant to paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 concerning the death of Mr Neil Hickman on 21 August 2021.
I understand that during the course of the inquest you heard evidence that revealed matters giving a rise to a concern that needs to be addressed to prevent a future death. Specifically, you are concerned that when Mr Hickman was referred for a bone marrow transplant, his ferritin levels were not checked despite him undergoing frequent blood transfusions.
Your PFD Report was discussed in the Haematology Departmental business meeting on 10 March
2022. It has now been agreed that all Myelodysplastic Syndrome patients that are undergoing frequent red cell transfusions and being referred for a bone marrow transplant will have their ferritin levels measured. This will ensure that if iron overload is detected, appropriate measures can be initiated including referral to a specialist centre for urgent treatment. This action has been implemented with immediate effect.
Lastly, I would like to thank you for bringing your concern to our attention and can assure you and Mr Hickman’s family that the Trust will continue to improve on the high standards we set ourselves in East Kent Hospitals.
Mr Neil Hickman – PFD Response
Thank you for your Prevention of Future Death (PFD) Report dated 28 February 2022 sent pursuant to paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 concerning the death of Mr Neil Hickman on 21 August 2021.
I understand that during the course of the inquest you heard evidence that revealed matters giving a rise to a concern that needs to be addressed to prevent a future death. Specifically, you are concerned that when Mr Hickman was referred for a bone marrow transplant, his ferritin levels were not checked despite him undergoing frequent blood transfusions.
Your PFD Report was discussed in the Haematology Departmental business meeting on 10 March
2022. It has now been agreed that all Myelodysplastic Syndrome patients that are undergoing frequent red cell transfusions and being referred for a bone marrow transplant will have their ferritin levels measured. This will ensure that if iron overload is detected, appropriate measures can be initiated including referral to a specialist centre for urgent treatment. This action has been implemented with immediate effect.
Lastly, I would like to thank you for bringing your concern to our attention and can assure you and Mr Hickman’s family that the Trust will continue to improve on the high standards we set ourselves in East Kent Hospitals.