A family has been left utterly devastated after a seemingly healthy mother-of-three collapsed and died just days after being discharged from hospital with what doctors believed was indigestion.
Kirsty Smith, 33, from Manchester, visited North Manchester General Hospital complaining of severe chest pains and breathing difficulties. Despite her alarming symptoms, she was sent home with antacid medication after medical staff diagnosed her with acid reflux.
Tragically, just four days later, Kirsty suffered a fatal collapse at home. Her heartbroken partner, Lee, discovered her unconscious and desperately performed CPR until paramedics arrived, but their efforts proved futile.
A Life Cut Short
Kirsty's sudden death has left her three young children - aged 13, 10, and 7 - without their devoted mother. Family members describe her as a "brilliant mum" who lived for her children and was always full of life.
Her grieving sister, Stacey, expressed the family's complete shock: "She was fine, she was absolutely fine. She was a healthy 33-year-old woman with no underlying health conditions that we knew of."
Questions Remain Unanswered
The family is now demanding answers about whether Kirsty's condition was properly assessed during her hospital visit. They question how such severe symptoms could be dismissed as indigestion when they ultimately proved fatal.
Stacey added: "She went to hospital with chest pains and struggling to breathe - how can that just be indigestion? We need to know what really happened and why she wasn't kept in for further tests."
Hospital Response
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kirsty's care and subsequent death. A spokesperson expressed condolences to the family and confirmed they're conducting a thorough review.
The tragic case highlights ongoing concerns about emergency diagnosis and the potential for serious conditions to be missed during busy hospital shifts.
Kirsty's family has started a fundraising campaign to support her three children and give her "the send-off she deserves," with donations pouring in from their local community and beyond.
