Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has issued a formal apology after admitting multiple failings in the care of 75-year-old Valerie Kneale, who died just days after being discharged from A&E with paracetamol.
The grandmother-of-three attended Blackpool Victoria Hospital's emergency department on October 30th, 2022, complaining of severe breathlessness and chest pain. Despite showing clear signs of distress, she was sent home after a six-hour wait with a recommendation to take painkillers.
Systemic Failures in Patient Care
An inquest at Blackpool Town Hall heard shocking details of missed opportunities and procedural failures. Mrs Kneale's observations were not properly recorded or acted upon, and there was no comprehensive assessment of her condition despite her visibly poor state.
Coroner Alan Wilson recorded a narrative conclusion, highlighting that inadequate assessment and failure to consider alternative diagnoses contributed to her death from pneumonia on November 4th, 2022.
Trust Apologises for 'Unacceptable' Standards
Dr Neil Hartley-Smith, the trust's chief medical officer, offered "sincere condolences and apologies" to Mrs Kneale's family during the hearing. He acknowledged that her care "fell below the standards we expect" and confirmed that significant changes have been implemented since the tragedy.
These improvements include enhanced nurse training in patient assessment, better escalation processes for deteriorating patients, and revised discharge procedures to ensure safer transitions home.
A Family's Heartbreaking Loss
Mrs Kneale's daughter, Sarah McQuillan, described her mother as "the heart of our family" in an emotional statement. She expressed devastation that her mother "was failed by the very people who were meant to help her" and called for systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies.
"We hope that by speaking out, other families might be spared the pain we have endured," McQuillan stated outside the courthouse.
The case has raised serious questions about patient safety in NHS emergency departments, particularly regarding the assessment and discharge of vulnerable elderly patients.
