Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Barry Wilson

Ref: 2015-0167 Date: 29 Apr 2015 Coroner: Pritchard Jones Area: North West Wales Responses identified: 1 / 1 View PDF

A defective surgical anastomosis, made with staples, was not detected prior to the patient's hospital discharge, directly contributing to their death.

Date 29 Apr 2015
56-day deadline 26 Jun 2015
Responses identified 1 of 1
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths

Coroner's concerns

AI summary
A defective surgical anastomosis, made with staples, was not detected prior to the patient's hospital discharge, directly contributing to their death.
View full coroner's concerns
During the course %f the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern: In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken: _ [BRIEF SUMMARY OF MATTERS OF CONCERN] (1) It would appear from the evidence that the deceased had undergone a right hemicolectomy and that the anastomosis had been made with staples. The anastomosis was defective and this should have been apparent either on or prior to the deceased's discharge from hospital. If the defect had been detected at that stage Mr. Wilson might not have died. 37 Castle Squarc Cacrnarfon, Gwynedd, LLSS ZNN Tel 01286 672804 Fax 01286 675217 Glan

Responses

1 respondent
University Health Board
PDF
Action Planned

The University Health Board will implement a pre-discharge checklist, provide patients with information leaflets outlining symptoms of concern and contact numbers, ensure care aligns with planned surgery, and have patients report by telephone to the ward daily until contacted by a Colo-Rectal Nurse Specialist. (AI summary)

View full response
Dear have very An kept

patients to be discharged early following surgery (2-3 days post op common practice when they are feeling well and it may be that an anastomotic problem can happen afier nationally) been discharged All patients are advised about anastomotic leak in the_ pre-operative they have consenting; (as was the in question, and as indicated on the consent procedures and during and verbal advice about what to do if are unwell following discharge. They receive form) given written information about the operation and potential complications before the procedures 28 take to action to "prevent future deaths". These Through this Regulation you see as in mechanisms which ensure to and at the of discharge That we put place document assessments have been made (e.g: control),and we confirm and advice provided as information sheets of this process follow up arrangements, to include direct contact within 48
b. As part Colo-Rectal Nurse specialist bringing the service these emergency hours, by a patients receive in-line with that already in place for those under-going colonic procedures on an elective scheduled basis. This being the case we will by (unless otherwise specified) the 6th ensure the following are in place check-list- (example enclosed). Consistent with normal current Pre-Discharge practice for patients undergoing day case surgery, a checklist will be completed on discharge of all patients from the Colo-Rectal Ward All other Surgical Wards in Glan Clwyd required to develop and in place appropriate check-lists by end July: Patients to be provided with clear information leaflet (by end July 2015) which will outline Symptoms and signs of concern Those which may occur , not of concern The direct dial contact numbers for the Ward in the event of concern The expectation where instructed by ward staff, patients return directly to the colo-rectal for assessment; initially by ward Nursing Staff, and being patient 'they require point prior pain key July put yet ward

thereafter by the surgical registrar communicating his her to the Consultant who performed the surgery & /or On-Call Care of these patients to align with that of planned surgery (start by the 6"h Patients required to report by telephone to ward daily until contact by Colo- Rectal Nurse Specialist Colo-Rectal Nurse specialist to contact within 48 or as soon as return to normal work after a week-end. Anastomotic breakdown a known complication, our team believe Mr: Wilson is to have been told who and when to contact with any concerns_ However, prompted to look more closely we have identified gaps in our processes and documentation which have made such beliefs difficult to confirm. Committing to these actions, though specific to emergency bowel resection, we note the wider lessons. hope through this letter you are re-assured, and trust you will contact me directly should you require anything further:

Report sections

Investigation and inquest
On 31/12/2014 ! commenced an investigation into the death of Barry Wilson; aged 70 years The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 22 April 2015. The conclusion of the inquest was that Death was due to misadventure_ Mr. Wilson had been admitted to Clwyd Hospital on the 19th December with abdominal pain and a CT scan confirmed bowel obstruction_ He was operated on ZOth December and on 24th December he was discharged from hospital: On discharge he was in severe pain on mobilising and collapsed at his home; He was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor on 25th December 2014 where life was pronounced extinct at 16.07 hours CIRCUMSTANCES @F THE DEATH COD: (1a) Peritonitis (1b) Anastamotic breakdown (1c) Right hemicolectomy
Action should be taken
In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe you Medical Director, Glan Clwyd Hospital have the power to take such action.

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Report details

Reference
2015-0167
Date of report
29 April 2015
Coroner
Pritchard Jones
Coroner area
North West Wales

Responses identified

Responses identified 1 of 1
All listed responses identified

Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 26 Jun 2015.

Sent to

Glan Clwyd Hospital

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