Slee Blackwell medical negligence lawyer Oliver Thorne is in the news following a patient’s death in hospital
Slee Blackwell partner, Oliver Thorne, has featured in the press following an inquest into the death of a patient at North Devon District Hospital in Barnstaple.
The inquest, which took place at Exeter’s County Hall, heard how the man was taken to North Devon District Hospital instead of being transferred to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton for specialist vascular surgery.
Unfortunately he suffered a cardiac arrest during emergency surgery resulting in his death in hospital. His family felt that his death could have been avoided if prompt action had been taken earlier.
An independent consultant vascular surgeon advised the inquest that a breakdown in communication and planning between the hospitals in Barnstaple and Taunton was ‘poor’ and that in ideal circumstances the patient should have been taken directly to Musgrove Park, where they were better equipped to deal with complex vascular cases.
The Coroner declined to speculate on what the outcome would have been if the man had been transferred to Musgrove Park Hospital, but felt reassured that improvements to training and communication within the vascular network had since been implemented.
Oliver Thorne, who specialises in dealing with medical negligence inquests, represented the man’s family at the two-day hearing. He was quoted in the press as saying:
“The family hope now that lessons have been learned from this tragic outcome and the provision of vascular surgery in North Devon has been improved as a result.”
Oliver had earlier pursued a successful medical negligence claim, recovering both compensation and a formal apology.
You can read the full story here.
If you are looking for experienced solicitors for guidance on what to do following a death in hospital which you think was avoidable, then contact Oliver by calling 0333 888 0404 or sending an email to [email protected]. We offer free case assessments and can work on a no win, no fee basis.
