University Hospitals Birmingham has apologised after hospital failures contributed to the death of 84-year-old Kingstanding mum-of-five Geraldine Miles during doctor strikes at Good Hope Hospital.
Mrs Miles, known as 'Dina', was discharged on November 17 despite low potassium test results sitting unactioned on her records for four days. Hours after returning home, the untreated condition led to a cardiac arrest and catastrophic brain injury.
Coroner's ruling
The coroner ruled her death was 'avoidable and due to omissions in medical care' during the inquest this month. Area Coroner Emma Brown said the failures would not have happened under normal working conditions without the impact of national strikes.
'We are deeply sorry for the death of Mrs Geraldine Miles and extend our sincere condolences to her family,' a Good Hope spokesperson told BirminghamLive. The trust said it accepts opportunities were missed and has taken action to improve clinical processes.
'It really shocks me that the result can sit there for four days,' said the coroner. She added that ensuring potassium levels were correct was 'very basic medicine' but industrial action had affected usual working arrangements.
Background
Mrs Miles had been independent, able to shop, cook and drive before entering hospital on November 7 with diarrhoea. She died on November 26 from hypoxic brain injury caused by the cardiac arrest.
The trust has since implemented changes to ensure test results are reviewed promptly, even during periods of industrial action.
