An inquest revealed that a senior doctor declined to examine a woman who tragically died from an asthma attack after enduring a harrowing 39-hour wait in an Accident & Emergency (A&E) department. Marina Young, 46, passed away at Royal Preston Hospital on June 22, 2022, due to what a coroner described as a “gross failure to provide adequate assessment and medical care.”
During the Preston inquest, Coroner Dr. James Adeley stated that a senior medical professional had refused to attend to Ms. Young, despite clear indications that her life was in danger. Dr. Adeley concluded that her death, resulting from an asthma attack, was “preventable.” This revelation underscores serious concerns about patient care and doctor accountability within the hospital.
Michelle Young, Marina’s sister, expressed her profound grief and disbelief at the inquest, stating that her “world fell apart” upon learning the extent of the neglect her sister suffered. She described Marina as an independent woman who managed her health needs effectively and enjoyed an active social life. The family’s distress highlights the devastating impact of the medical failings on loved ones.
Coroner Adeley criticized the hospital trust for its “insufficient action” over the past two years, citing the absence of a comprehensive report into the incident. He warned that this may not be an isolated case, suggesting a “risk of other deaths occurring in similar circumstances.” He announced his intention to issue recommendations to prevent future tragedies.
Michelle Young further lamented the hospital staff’s failure to meet even basic human needs, let alone provide adequate medical care. Her statement points to a systemic breakdown in patient welfare within the A&E department.
The inquest detailed how the initial medical assessment was conducted by a second-year trainee doctor who failed to perform a crucial peak flow test, citing the inability to locate the necessary equipment. Dr. Adeley deemed this explanation “wholly inadequate” and noted the trainee’s admission that failing to escalate Marina’s case to a senior doctor was a “serious error.”
Adding to the severity of the situation, a senior nurse’s urgent request for a senior doctor to attend to Marina was reportedly “refused” for five critical hours, despite test results indicating a life-threatening condition. The coroner emphasized that this “refusal” was among several “extremely worrying” aspects of the case, pointing to a potential disregard for protocol and patient urgency.
The inquest also revealed a “consistent failure” to consider Marina’s medical history and crucial information provided by her sister, a former nurse, upon admission. Marina’s spina bifida and inability to use the restroom or remove her shoes during an asthma attack were overlooked, causing her unnecessary pain and discomfort. The coroner highlighted the distressing detail that Marina was still wearing shoes after her death, despite the known pain it would have caused.
Michelle Young recounted the appalling conditions her sister endured, stating the overwhelming smell of urine in the area. Despite this, forms in Marina’s records were routinely ticked, indicating that her hygiene needs were met, which the coroner dismissed as a meaningless “tick box exercise.”
Madeleine Langmead, the family’s solicitor from JMW law firm, asserted that Marina’s case could have significant implications for the treatment of vulnerable patients, particularly those experiencing asthma attacks. She expressed hope that this tragedy would lead to improvements in patient safety protocols and prevent similar incidents in the future.
In conclusion, the inquest into Marina Young’s death exposed a series of critical failures in her care at Royal Preston Hospital, most notably the refusal of a senior doctor to attend to her deteriorating condition. This preventable death underscores the urgent need for systemic changes within the hospital to ensure patient safety, doctor accountability, and compassionate care for all individuals, especially vulnerable patients in emergency situations.
