Else Harvey-Samuel

On the 25th of February 2013 commenced an investigation into the death of Else Merete-Harvey Samuel, aged 89. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 21 of May 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was that Mrs Harvey-Samuels 'Died from complications following a fall and pelvic fracture, contributed to by significant pre-existing natural disease_ The cause of death was found to be Ia Bronchopneumonia, Bone marrow and fat embolism and anaemia to 1b Fall with pelvic fracture and haematoma, with contributory causes of Recent organising myocardial infarction and Coronary artery atherosclerosis There were matters that became evident which gave cause for concern:

Mrs Harvey-Samuel was admitted to the West Suffolk Hospital on the 15th of February 2013 following a fall at her residential home which resulted in groin pain, and the possibility of a hip or pelvic fracture was considered by the GP who referred her to hospital. Radiographs at that time did not reveal any fractures. Mrs Harvey-Samuel's condition was complicated by other medical issues and pain control remained a problem. Repeat radiographs were requested out of hours because of continuing problems but the radiographer questioned the request and some views were not repeated, including the pelvis. The clinical history accompanying the request had not given the whole picture and the expected communication between senior clinician and radiologist; after the radiologist declined to do some views; did not occur. Following Mrs Harvey-Samuel's subsequent death a pelvic fracture was found at post mortem, along with significant natural disease. A clinical incident was raised and investigated following the X-ray problems but this did not answer all of the issues raised by the incident While it is accepted that there would have been no active management had the existence of the pelvic fracture been established in life, and the tragic outcome was still likely to have occurred, an accurate diagnosis would have assisted the clinical management greatly and, without attention to the issues raised by this sad situation, there remains a risk of other fatalities occurring if accompanying clinical histories are not complete and potentially significant radiographs are not taken as a result

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe you have the power to take such action.