Inquest finds there were 'missed opportunities' to save the life of South Yorkshire businesswoman
Dame Julie Kenny died at Doncaster Royal Infirmary last February
Last updated 21 hours ago
An inquest at Doncaster Coroner's Court has found there were 'missed opportunities' to save the life of a 'much-loved' South Yorkshire businesswoman.
Dame Julie Kenny died following emergency surgery at Doncaster hospital last year after suffering from 'severe' abdominal pain.
Signs of a twisted intestine hadn't been picked up by an outsourced radiologist before the 67-year-old's condition went downhill in the days leading up to her death.
The coroner today concluded that had medics known the 'full picture' around Dame Julie's health following the CT scan - it is 'likely' she would've survived.
In response to the findings, Dame Julie’s sons, Laurence Kenny & Oliver Kenny - and daughter - Charlotte Kenny-Martin, said:
“The coroner’s conclusion has confirmed our fears about the care our mum received in the days leading up to her death. It has been incredibly difficult to hear that, had she received proper care while she was in hospital, she would have survived.
We raised concerns about the severe pain our mum was experiencing and whether opportunities to diagnose and treat her condition sooner had been missed. The Coroner’s findings have now validated those concerns. No family should have to learn that their loved one’s death could have been avoided.
People place their trust in healthcare professionals at their most vulnerable moments. Our mum did the same. She was a much-loved mum, grandmother, wife and friend, who achieved so much during her life. Her loss is felt by us every day.
We would like to thank the coroner, Nicola Mundy, for her thorough investigation into our mum’s case. We are also grateful to our legal team for their support throughout this difficult time.”
A spokesperson for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said:
"We would like to express our sincere condolences to Dame Julie Kenny's family and loved ones.
"We acknowledge the coroner's findings and the concerns identified during the inquest.
"The circumstances surrounding Dame Julie's death have been subject to detailed review, and we remain committed to ensuring that any lessons identified are embedded across our services to support the safest possible care for patients."