Trust is criticised over ‘tragic avoidable death’

A MAN died unnecessarily at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary after his urgent operation was delayed, an investigation has found.

A report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) said the man’s death could have been avoided if the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust had operated on his twisted bowel.

Mr A, as he is known in the report, was an otherwise healthy 71-year-old man who died when his twisted bowel tore, following serious failings and delays in his treatment at the Trust.

Mr A went to the emergency department at Calderdale Royal Hospital on Christmas Day in 2017 with constipation and abdominal pain. He was transferred to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

But it took a week for the HRI to recognise a need for urgent surgery. Mr A’s condition worsened, his bowel perforated and he died on January 4 after his organs failed.

The Ombudsman found the Trust failed to follow national guidance and act on the results of its investigations into Mr A’s condition. The Ombudsman found that the delay in operating led to his avoidable death.

Rob Behrens, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, said: “This case shows why the guidelines exist and the tragic consequences when they are not followed.” Mr A’s sister said: “Thanks to the Ombudsman, we have some justice for my brother and his tragic avoidable death has been highlighted.”

David Birkenhead, medical director at the trust, said: “We have apologised and have agreed to the Ombudsman’s recommendations to develop an action plan to prevent a recurrence.”