X Rokeby

On 29th Jan 2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of X Rokeby aged 46 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 21st Jan 2015. The conclusion of the inquest was:- Mr Rokeby died of a complication following the formation of a fistula to enable dialysis. X Rokeby received dialysis on a regular basis and had had a fistula inserted in his left arm. On 18th December 2013 Mr Rokeby complained of pain and swelling over the fistula. It was considered he may have “bumped” the fistula and dialysis proceeded without incident. On 19th December 2013 the patient again contacted the dialysis unit complaining that his fistula remained swollen and painful. He was advised to attend NGH specialist renal ward for assessment if he was concerned. On 20th December 2013 the patient attended for routine dialysis. His fistula remained swollen and painful and he was advised to attend the specialist renal ward at NGH for further assessment. He did attend, a possible diagnosis of cellulitis was made and the patient (Mr Rokeby) was discharged with antibiotics. On 21st December Mr Rokeby again reported a painful fistula. He was advised to attend at NGH specialist renal ward which he did not do. On 22nd December 2013 the patient was collected by a volunteer driver to transport him to his routine dialysis. En route to the hospital Mr Rokeby began to bleed. The volunteer driver pulled into a nearby petrol station. The volunteer driver was advised to apply pressure to the bleeding point and called a 999 ambulance from the roadside. The ambulance attended and conveyed Mr Rokeby to NGH where his death was confirmed at 08.25 hours on the same day. At post mortem the cause of death was:-

1 a) Haemorrhage from dialysis fistula

Please see above.