A 19-year-old woman died from a rare blood clot triggered by her contraceptive pill, an inquest has heard, after her GP advised her to resume taking it despite a recent high blood pressure reading.
A Sudden Collapse and a Family's Loss
Áine Rose Hurst collapsed on Tuesday, 11 March and was rushed to Royal Bolton Hospital. Doctors discovered she had severe brain swelling, and she died two days later on Thursday, 13 March.
Her mother, Kerry Hurst, 52, said Áine had been on a night out on Saturday, 8 March and complained of a headache the next morning. Believing it was a hangover, she suggested paracetamol and water, but the pain relentlessly worsened.
Questions Over Medical Guidance
The inquest at Bolton Coroner's Court on Thursday, 27 November, concluded that a rare complication from the contraceptive pill, which Áine had taken since 2020, caused her death. The specific cause was cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.
In a critical turn of events, Áine had been told to stop taking Femodette in December 2024 after a routine review with nurse Emma Walker found her blood pressure elevated at 140/93. Ms Walker advised her to cease the pill and see her GP.
However, just a month later on 6 January, Dr Moyinoluwa Oluwaseyi Onayade at Spring House Surgery restarted her prescription. Áine had expressed a desire to go back on the pill "as soon as possible". Dr Onayade said her blood pressure reading that day was 130/90, within acceptable limits, and he discussed but did not insist on switching to a progesterone-only pill due to her concerns about side effects.
The family stated they are 'deeply concerned' that the GP did not fully consider the recent history of high blood pressure and seek answers on preventative measures.
Coroner's Narrative and a Family's Tribute
Area coroner Peter Sigee recorded that the death was 'caused by a recognised but rare complication of appropriately prescribed medication'. He included Femodette in the formal cause of death, stating it directly contributed on the balance of probabilities.
Mr Sigee acknowledged the tragic reality of rare side effects, noting 'someone has to be that one in a thousand or one in ten thousand'.
Áine's heartbroken family paid tribute to 'the most beautiful, caring, funny and sensible girl', describing her as the life and soul of every family gathering who loved hosting karaoke and quizzes. 'We would give anything to hear her ask one more question,' they said. 'Life will never be the same for us without our girl.'
