Concerns raised over Hull Royal Infirmary’s end of life care for 76-year-old woman
Coroner urges action after death of Kathleen Ward in February
A coroner has raised serious concerns about end of life care at Hull Royal Infirmary after the death of a 76-year-old woman.
Kathleen Ward, who was diagnosed with terminal mesothelioma in October 2022, died at Hull Royal Infirmary on 20th February 2025.
Her death was attributed to pneumonia, with industrial disease and chronic health conditions, including asbestos exposure, contributing to her condition.
East Riding and Hull Area Coroner Lorraine Harris issued a prevention of future deaths report following an inquest into Mrs Ward’s case.
The inquest concluded on 3rd November 2025 and found that Mrs Ward faced delays and inappropriate care during her final hours, raising concerns about the hospital’s provision for end of life patients.
Lack of available beds
Mrs Ward was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary’s emergency department on 19th February 2025 as no beds were available at the Queens Centre, a specialist unit equipped to provide palliative care.
She remained in the emergency department for 21 hours – far longer than the expected four-hour timeframe for transferring a patient in this situation – in a location not equipped to handle the specialised care needed at the end of life.
According to evidence heard during the inquest, staff at the location lacked the expertise to address critical needs such as advanced pain relief. Furthermore, the inquest heard Mrs Ward was moved unnecessarily from a quiet room to a six-bed ward despite her approaching end of life, a decision described by a nurse as “not acceptable or dignified”.
Continued concerns over capacity
Lorraine Harris’s report suggested that issues linked to a lack of beds at the Queens Centre remain even after Mrs Ward’s death.
It was revealed that at least once a week, patients in a similar condition are admitted to the emergency department instead of the specialised care ward.
Hospital trust responds
Hull University Hospitals Trust has shared their response to the issues raised by the coroner’s report, expressing regret over the circumstances of Mrs Ward’s care.
A spokesperson said: “It is with deep regret that we were unable to find a suitable palliative care bed for Mrs Ward at the time of her hospital admission or to provide her with the most appropriate end-of-life care.
“While the Coroner identified no deficiencies in the clinical care delivered to Mrs Ward by Emergency Department staff, we accept that her end-of-life experience in the department was not ideal and we would like to apologise to her loved ones for this.
“The Coroner advised during the inquest that the purpose of issuing the Regulation 28 Notice was not to criticise the Trust’s clinical practice but to draw wider attention to bed capacity pressures within oncology and palliative services; in this instance, all parts of the hospital were experiencing significant demand for beds and the Queen’s Centre was already full.
“We continue to work with our local authority and community health service partners to ensure people who require social care or other support to leave hospital, can access this as quickly as possible – enabling patients who need to come into hospital to do so.
“As per the Regulation 28 notice, we will respond to HM Coroner on the issues highlighted within the given timeframe.”