Introduction

A recent investigation has revealed alarming failures at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth that contributed to the tragic death of Susan Evans, a 55-year-old woman who underwent elective gastric bypass surgery. The coroner's findings raise serious questions about patient safety and clinical protocols within the hospital's bariatric unit.

Circumstances of the Case

Susan Evans passed away due to abdominal sepsis on August 12, 2023, just over a month after her surgery. She was discharged on July 13, despite experiencing significant abdominal pain—a clear violation of the hospital's guidelines requiring daily reviews by a specialized bariatric nurse or a senior doctor for post-operative patients. The only bariatric nurse available that day was not on duty, and the coroner noted that a junior doctors' strike began that very same day, potentially affecting the quality of care available.

Coroner's Findings

Coroner Sally Olsen stated that the failure to properly monitor Ms. Evans after her surgery was a critical factor in her eventual decline. “She was still in a degree of pain when she left the hospital,” Olsen said, highlighting the negligence surrounding her discharge. Tragically, Ms. Evans was readmitted just two days later but was already in a severe state due to a leak at the surgical site, which led to her rapid deterioration and subsequent death.

Policy Violations

The coroner's report emphasized that adherence to existing policies could have saved Ms. Evans' life. These protocols clearly outline that patients exhibiting increased abdominal pain should be evaluated by a senior doctor within two hours—guidelines that were evidently overlooked in this case.

Hospital Response

In response to the distressing findings, Dr. John Knighton, Chief Medical Officer at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, expressed profound sorrow over the circumstances surrounding Ms. Evans' care and extended condolences to her grieving family. The trust is currently cooperating with the coroner’s ongoing investigation and is committed to addressing the issues raised, which include improving communication among clinical teams and ensuring that proper post-operative care protocols are strictly followed.

Broader Implications

As the public learns about this tragic incident, there are concerns that similar failures could lead to more fatalities if immediate corrective actions are not implemented. This serves as a reminder of the crucial importance of patient oversight in hospitals, especially following significant surgical procedures.

Conclusion

With the healthcare sector already under scrutiny, this shocking case has reignited discussions about the safety and efficiency of surgical care in the NHS. Advocates are urging authorities to take swift action to prevent further tragedies and ensure that no other families have to endure such heart-wrenching loss.