Prevention of Future Deaths reports · 2022

Margaret Russell

Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths, reference 2022-0374, written 22 Nov 2022. A coroner writes one of these when an inquest reveals a risk that could cause further deaths unless something changes.

Date of report22 Nov 2022
Reference2022-0374
DeceasedMargaret Russell
CoronerAbigail Combes
Coroner areaSouth Yorkshire (West)
CategoryHospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Sourcejudiciary.uk record · original PDF
Responses publishednone published

The report

Text extracted from the PDF text layer. Reproduced verbatim, including the scan's own layout.

REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS 

THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 

1.  Barnsley District General Hospital 

1 

CORONER 

I am Abigail Combes, assistant coroner, for the coroner area of South Yorkshire (West 
District) 

2 

CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS 

I make this report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 
and Regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013. 

3 

INVESTIGATION and INQUEST 

On 5 November 2021 I commenced an investigation into the death of Margaret Russell 
born on 26 October 1938. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 27 
October 2022. The conclusion of the inquest was:-  

Margaret Russell was admitted to hospital on 31 October 2021 following a fall at home. 
This resulted in a fractured hip. She required surgery for that fracture. As part of the 
booking in process it was apparent that Margaret may have difficulties with swallowing 
and eating and a speech and language therapy referral was requested. This was 
subsequently missed by the ward and a referral was not made; further there were no 
mitigating temporary measures taken to manage Margaret's diet. Margaret was provided 
with a meal following her surgery on 1 November 2021. She choked on that meal. Initial 
measures were taken to remove the blockage however CPR was not commenced due to 
a DNA CPR in place. The failure to provide CPR was contrary to Trust and 
Resuscitation Council policy. She died at Barnsley Hospital on 1 November 2021. 

The medical cause of death was: 

1a: Respiratory Arrest 
1b: Aspiration 
2: Ischaemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus 

4 

CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH 

On 31 October 2021 Margaret Russell was admitted to Barnsley District General 
Hospital following a fall at home. She suffered a fractured hip as a result of the fall and 
required surgery for this. During her booking in process staff were made aware that 
Margaret may have difficulties with swallowing, and this was noted on her records. 
Unfortunately, this was missed by ward staff and following her procedure she was 
provided with a meal which she choked on. 

Emergency responses were instigated however the medic attending noted the DNR in 
place for Margaret and did not commence CPR. This was a breach of the Trust and 
Resuscitation Council Policy and may have led to a different outcome for Margaret.  

1 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 

CORONER’S CONCERNS 

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In 
my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the 
circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. 

The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: –  

1.  The decision not to commence CPR in these circumstances was not in 

accordance with Trust or National Policy and in some cases may make a 
significant difference to outcome.  

6 

ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN 

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe your 
organisation have the power to take such action.  

7 

YOUR RESPONSE 

You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this report, 
namely by 17th February 2023. I, the coroner, may extend the period. 

Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out 
the timetable for action. Otherwise you must explain why no action is proposed. 

8 

COPIES and PUBLICATION 

I have sent a copy of my report to the Chief Coroner and to the following Interested 
Persons: Mrs Russell's family and Barnsley District General Hospital. 

I am also under a duty to send a copy of your response to the Chief Coroner and all 
interested persons who in my opinion should receive it.   

I may also send a copy of your response to any other person who I believe may find it 
useful or of interest.  

The Chief Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted or summary 
form. He may send a copy of this report to any person who he believes may find it useful 
or of interest.  

You may make representations to me, the coroner, at the time of your response, about 
the release or the publication of your response. 

9 

22nd November 2022    

Abigail Combes 
Assistant Coroner 

2

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