Former nurse died in agony after blunder

A NURSE who dedicated 35 years to the NHS died after being left in agony by doctors who told her they had to see 40 other patients first.

Jeanette Bailey, 53, suffered painful complications after a high dose of blood-thinning drugs was not monitored, an inquest heard.

Doctors at Manchester Royal Infirmary said nothing could have prevented the former theatre sister’s death from heart failure on February 18 last year.

But they have apologised for treatment that led to upper-arm compartment syndrome, in which raised pressure in body tissue reduces the blood supply and affects nerves and muscles, leaving sufferers in pain. They admitted a ‘weakness in the system’ and care that was ‘not up to standard’.

Recording a narrative verdict, assistant Manchester coroner Jean Harkin said Mrs Bailey died of heart disease following cardiac surgery. But she added: ‘There was a clear breakdown in the system which caused Mrs Bailey pain and suffering and that causes distress to her family.’

The court heard that on February 16 Mrs Bailey, a mother of three, from Droylsden, Manchester, had urgent heart surgery, which was deemed successful, but two days later she died.

The coroner found compartment syndrome did not contribute to Mrs Bailey’s death, but it should have been treated sooner and ‘kept on top of’.