Watford man died after suffering fatal brain bleed in hospital, inquest finds
Desmond Stewart died on Boxing Day 2024
An 84-year-old Watford man died after suffering a life-threatening bleed on the brain following a fall in hospital, an inquest has found.
Former RAF sergeant Desmond Stewart died on Boxing Day 2024, after being treated at Watford General Hospital and later transferred to St Mary's Hospital in London.
Senior Coroner Geoffrey Sullivan delivered a narrative conclusion, finding that Desmond's fatal brain bleed was caused by a fall on the ward on December 13.
The inquest heard Desmond had initially been admitted to Watford General on December 1, after falling at home and hitting his head. A scan revealed a bleed on the brain, but he was discharged after 24 hours.
He returned to hospital on December 12 with worsening headaches, slurred speech and confusion.
Daoud Makki, an Orthopaedic consultant at Watford General Hospital told the court the bleed had continued to grow, describing how it had "just continuously got bigger".
Desmond later fell again while in hospital on December 13, suffering a much larger, acute bleed.
The coroner identified several shortcomings in his care, including a lack of regular observations, blood pressure which was not properly managed and medication he should have received.
However, he said it was “unclear” whether the lack of regular observations contributed to Desmond's death, and that the medication and blood pressure issues were “unlikely” to have done so.
Desmond was eventually transferred by blue-light ambulance to St Mary's on Christmas Day, where he underwent surgery. He died the following day.
His family described him as a devoted husband to Janette, a father of three and a loving grandfather.
In a statement, they told the court it had been "incredibly hard to go to the family home and see his empty chair".
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said it was saddened by Desmond's death and extended its deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
The Trust said it had taken steps to address the issues identified since his death and shared learning with relevant teams to improve patient care.
Professor Raymond Anakwe, medical director at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences continue to be with Mr Stewart’s family."
He added the Trust was committed to supporting the coroner and family throughout the inquest process, and taking forward any learning and improvements identified.