A 24-year-old woman died after being left for more than an hour in a hospital corridor while suffering from a pulmonary embolism, an inquest has heard. Clarissa Street, a University of Manchester graduate, collapsed at home and was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital in August 2024.
The inquest at Rochdale Coroner's Court heard that after arriving at A&E, Street was given an oxygen mask that was not connected to anything. Staff Nurse Michelle Neale admitted she 'didn't know' why she gave her a disconnected mask and accepted she should not have done it. Neale said the mask 'did regulate her breathing' and that Street was 'speaking in full sentences'.
A paramedic had suggested that Street was 'overreacting and having a panic attack' when she was passed to triage staff. Despite low oxygen levels and a high heart rate, she was placed in a corridor for around an hour. A senior nurse told Neale that Street was 'young so we'll just keep an eye on her'.
Street had previously suffered a provoked pulmonary embolism in 2017 but had not required long-term anticoagulation. The inquest heard that based on national guidelines, there was no need for a haematology referral at that time. However, it was accepted that in hindsight a referral might have helped.
Street died in the early hours of August 14 due to pulmonary embolism with a background of fatty liver disease. The inquest, which began on May 6, is expected to last three days.
