Fieldfisher pro bono: Coroner rules gross failure by hospital 'possibly contributed' to death of Chloe Every
In one of the starkest decisions available to a coroner, senior coroner Graeme Irvine concluded at the inquest into Chloe Every's death that gross failings in care by Queen's Hospital, Romford possibly contributed to her death.
He said he was unable to deliver a definitive gross failings verdict because so much evidence, including a post-mortem, were not available because the hospital Trust originally stated her cause of death as advanced cancer and myotonic dystrophy. Chloe in fact died from cardiac arrest brought on by morphine.
Only after Chloe's family pushed hard for further investigation was he able to open an inquest and hear evidence of serious failings in her care.
Mr Irvine said: "Each of these actions [by hospital staff] taken alone would not necessarily amount to a gross failure, but taken together, the failures in care do amount to gross failure."
As part of Fieldfisher's ongoing relationship with Mencap, director Caron Heyes acted for Chloe's family pro bono and instructed Counsel Jo Moore from 1 Crown Office Row, who also acted pro bono.
Following conclusion, Caron told ITV News, the BBC and other media that the inquest raised serious patient safety issues including failures regarding consent and best interest processes, vital where patients have learning disabilities.
'Because the Trust failed to properly investigate Chloe's death, it has taken more than 4 years for the coroner to hear her case. It is shocking. Families should not have to force hospitals to properly investigate their errors.'
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