Inquest told Rob ‘might have’ survived
MURDER victim Robert Hart ‘might have survived’ if he was transferred between hospitals sooner, a coroner’s court heard.
The inquest into the death of the 26-year-old from Macclesfield also heard the CT scan had also been ‘misinterpreted’.
The music lover died after he was punched in the head at Manchester’s Parklife music on June 7 2014.
Robert was first taken to North Manchester General Hospital and was kept there for ‘a period of time’ before being transferred to Salford Royal Hospital.
Senior Coroner Nigel Meadows told the inquest: “He was kept at the hospital for a period of time. His condition deteriorated and he eventually was transferred to the Salford Royal Hospital on June 8.
“Salford Royal acknowledge that he should have been transferred over and had he been treated sooner he might have survived. Their investigations have highlighted a number of issues.”
But Mr Mylett, managing director of Manchester Medical Services which was providing first aid at the festival, told the hearing it was ‘appropriate’ to send Robert to North Manchester General.
The inquest at Manchester Coroner’s Court also heard that an off-duty midwife resuscitated Robert after he was attacked.
Kerri Melero was enjoying the festival when the incident happened. She told the court: “I heard a thud. It was a calculated punch and it was extremely powerful. This wasn’t somebody throwing a drunken punch. He went from standing and he just fell backwards. He didn’t even stagger.”
She also said the attacker fled by the time she began administering life-saving CPR and she had been busy concentrating on Robert.
The inquest also heard that after being given CPR, Rob was ‘sitting upright’ and was communicating with medical staff.
He told them he had been drinking and taken MDMA and cocaine, the hearing was told.
Robert Knight, a medical technician for Manchester Medical Services, told the hearing Robert was sat in A&E with his girlfriend ‘laughing and joking’ and he didn’t have any major concerns about him.
The hearing was told a senior nurse at North Manchester General emergency department, saw Robert within 44 minutes. She made the decision after assessment that Robert should be sent to the hospital’s minor injury unit and treated within two hours. The coroner urged anyone with information about Robert’s attacker to come forward. He said: “Only they know what they have done. I urge everyone to search their conscience and to come forward with information.” ●● PROCEEDING