Widow's Heartbreak: Husband Died After Two Days on A&E Trolley Without Vital Scan
Tom Frith, a 66-year-old retired man who enjoyed an active life of motorbiking holidays and gardening, tragically died from a deadly brain infection after spending nearly two days on a trolley in an overwhelmed A&E department where he was denied a crucial MRI scan because it was the weekend.
Overrun Emergency Department and Delayed Diagnosis
When Tom Frith arrived at Leighton Hospital A&E on Saturday, 14 June 2025, he was suffering from severe flu-like symptoms, confusion, unsteadiness, and speech difficulties. His wife Julia Frith described how he was rushed through triage but the only available space was in a corridor, where he remained for almost 48 hours as his condition deteriorated.
The emergency department was described as "overrun", with patients occupying every section including chairs, beds, and even the floor. Julia Frith reported that staff had expected 40 patients that day but were dealing with 120, creating chaotic conditions that compromised patient care.
Missed Opportunities and Fatal Consequences
Despite displaying classic symptoms of encephalitis—a serious brain inflammation that affects approximately 6,000 people in the UK annually—Tom Frith did not receive a timely diagnosis. His family was informed that he could not undergo a vital MRI scan to detect potential stroke or brain infection because the service was unavailable during the weekend.
Julia Frith recounted disturbing scenes during her husband's stay, including finding him disoriented, having removed his identity band and soiled himself, while another patient had been placed in his bed during a brief absence. She described the situation as "appalling" and even researched private hospital options in desperation.
Eventual Diagnosis and Tragic Outcome
It was not until the Friday following his admission—nearly a week later—that hospital staff began administering medication to treat encephalitis. By Saturday, the diagnosis was confirmed, but the damage was already irreversible. Tom Frith had suffered brain damage from swelling and a stroke caused by the infection.
After several weeks of treatment, including time in critical care on a ventilator in an induced coma, medical professionals advised that his condition was unlikely to improve. He was placed on palliative care and died on 27 July 2025.
Broader NHS Crisis Context
This tragic case emerges against a backdrop of repeated warnings from medical professionals about the crisis facing NHS emergency departments. Recent NHS data for England revealed that in January 2026, a record 192,168 people (13 percent) waited 12 hours or more to be seen, treated, or discharged after arriving at A&E—the highest figure since this data was first published in February 2023.
Julia Frith has now initiated legal proceedings against Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Leighton Hospital. Her solicitor, Zoe Donohue of Leigh Day, stated that Julia hopes to determine whether more could have been done to save her husband and to raise awareness about encephalitis symptoms to help others avoid similar tragedies.
Hospital Response and Ongoing Investigation
Dr Clare Hammell, chief medical officer and deputy chief executive for Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, expressed condolences to the family but declined to comment on specific circumstances due to the ongoing legal claim. The trust emphasized that it takes patient safety concerns seriously and continually reviews incidents to improve care, including staff training on recognizing and managing rare but serious conditions.
This case highlights the human cost of emergency care pressures within the NHS, where delayed diagnoses and limited weekend services can have fatal consequences for patients with time-sensitive medical conditions.
