Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Derek Brierley

Ref: 2013-0244 Date: 20 Aug 2013 Coroner: Simon Nelson Area: Manchester North Responses identified: 1 / 2 View PDF

The suprapubic procedure was performed by a consultant after a long hiatus with inadequate preparation, likely incorrect insertion, and a lack of Trust guidelines for competence and training.

Date 20 Aug 2013
56-day deadline 24 Feb 2014 est.
Responses identified 1 of 2
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths

Coroner's concerns

AI summary
The suprapubic procedure was performed by a consultant after a long hiatus with inadequate preparation, likely incorrect insertion, and a lack of Trust guidelines for competence and training.
View full coroner's concerns
1) Although the consultant performing the suprapubic procedure had done so successfully on nine previous occasions the last such occasion was twelve months earlier. The family overheard instructions for the procedure being read out to the consultant whilst it was being carried out. More likely than not the site of the insertion was too high.

2) There are no Trust Guidelines as to the standard of competence or training of those carrying out the procedure
3)Difficulties were encountered in locating a suprapubic catheter prior to the procedure

Responses

1 respondent
The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust NHS / Health Body
22 Nov 2013 PDF
Action Taken

The hospital has re-drafted the pathway for managing urinary retention, shared it with A&E staff, initiated a training program for inserting catheters outside of the urology division, and will continue to monitor catheter-related incidents. (AI summary)

View full response
Dear Mr Nelson Further to your Regulation 28 dated 30th September 2013 for events relating to the death of Mr Derek Brierley , can report that the following actions have been taken to prevent future deaths
1) The pathway for managing urinary retention has been re-drafted & supra-pubic aspiration is the first line intervention for those unable to insert supra-pubic catheters, followed by transfer to North Manchester Urology department or A&E. (Summary Pathway enclosed)
2) The pathway has been shared with A&E staff so that are aware of it (& had opportunity to comment on it).
3) The urology team have initiated a training program for those who may need to insert such catheters outside of the urology division. Individuals will need to be signed off for this, (a process we already use for chest drains). Those deemed competent include CT1 trainees & above for urology who have undergone the training, middle grade & above surgical trainees, other trainees at ST3 level & above who undergone the training:
5) Bladder scanning should be done before such procedures are attempted. (This was actually done in this particular case):
6). Such cases should be discussed with the urology team. (This was done in this particular case) -_ PLEASE NOTE THE TRUST HAS A SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT POLICY FOR STAFF, PATIENTS AND VISITORS: THIS INCLUDES BUILDINGS , GROUNDS AND CAR PARKS_ 202 2013 they they have

7) The governance lead for urology will continue to monitor catheter related incidents to ensure standards & processes are followed, but also ensure that adverse incidents are reported as clinical incidents.
8) Procedure trays are clearly labelled, regularly checked & appropriately stored: Difficulty finding the kit in this case was due to individual lack of familiarity as it is not a procedure frequently performed in a very busy A&E: believe that the above measures should ensure that this rare, but recognised complication of supra-pubic catheter insertion should not lead to a preventable death again.

Report sections

Investigation and inquest
On 17/08/2012 I commenced an investigation into the death of Derek BRIERLEY, then aged 86 Years. The investigation was concluded at the end of the inquest on 17/08/2013. The conclusion of the inquest was “Recognised but rare complication of necessary surgical intervention.”, the medical cause of death being 1a Bronchopneumonia 1b post peritonitis after insertion of superapubic catheter for benign prostatic hyperplasia 1c blocked urethral catheter for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Circumstances of the death
Mr Brierly’s catheter was not working on the morning of the 21st July 2012. A district nurse was unable to recatheterise him at home and so he was conveyed by ambulance to the Royal Oldham Hospital where three further attempts by a nurse, junior doctor and consultant were also unsuccessful by which time Mr Brierly had a palpably distended bladder. The Consultant’s attempt at a suprapubic insertion via the abdomen was abandoned following which Mr Brierly became acutely unwell with features of peritonitis

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Report details

Reference
2013-0244
Date of report
20 August 2013
Coroner
Simon Nelson
Coroner area
Manchester North

Responses identified

Responses identified 1 of 2
1 response not yet linked

Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 24 Feb 2014 (estimated).

Sent to

England & Wales
Pennine Acute Trust

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