Family deserves to have answers

The inquest which opened this week into the tragic and entirely avoidable death of Frances Cappuccini has once again brought to light astonishing failings on the part of a health service we should have faith in.

It is hard at first glance to pinpoint the most concerning element of the care she received, but one thing which stands out due to its striking similarity with other investigations, is a lack of basic communication and note taking.

The point of the inquest is to find answers for a family, who in the words of their solicitor, have conducted themselves in the most dignified manner for more than four years since her death.

Following a court case, which was dismissed and a civil case settled out of court, it represents the only chance they have to establish the circumstances of her death.

Their sole aim is to prevent other families going through what they have and if they can achieve that at least some good will come out of an utterly horrendous set of circumstances.

After more than four years of investigations, lessons really shouldn’t need to be learned. However, time and time again cases emerge where areas of the NHS or individuals within it have failed to communicate.

Of course, budget cuts, new ways of working and a vast number of health commissioners all play a part in affecting our skilled nurses and doctors.

Is it really any wonder information, staff and sometimes even patients get lost in the system?

However another aspect the inquest is exploring is how well patients are listened to and their views translated into their care.