30st teacher died of a heart attack after two-hour wait for stretcher
A tEACHER who weighed 30st died from a heart attack after it took more than two hours to get an extra large stretcher to move her, an inquest heard.
Carol Beverley, 43, had collapsed at her parents’ home in Stoborough, Dorset, the day after being sent home from hospital with an undiagnosed blood clot in the lung.
paramedics took 50 minutes to reach her after they were flagged down by police to help with a car crash. they had not been warned they would need a special stretcher.
there are only two in the county and when one eventually arrived, they called the fire service to help move the physics teacher. But she died as firemen discussed whether to remove a window to get her out. Miss Beverley, who taught at Lytchett Minster School near poole, had been taken to Dorset County Hospital the previous day but was sent home with antibiotics after doctors diagnosed a urinary tract infection. Dr Han Cao told the Bournemouth inquest that she advised Miss Beverley to stay in overnight while they assessed her more fully, believing she may have a blood clot, but the teacher refused.
A hospital review found clear ‘miscommunication and a misunderstanding’ among doctors. It appeared that the chance to treat the clot had been missed but it was ‘unclear’ whether her death last April could have been avoided. South Western Ambulance Service has also reviewed its handling of the case.
Coroner Sheriff payne recorded a verdict of natural causes, saying: ‘It appears that lessons have been learned and changes are being considered.’ Miss Beverley’s sister tessa Griffiths said: ‘Carol was a beautiful, kind and loving person. It’s important that lessons are learned so this is not allowed to happen again.’
‘Lack of communication’