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7 October 2020 | Firm News | Article by Lynda Reynolds

Hugh James acts for family of diabetes patient who died of hospital ‘neglect’ according to coroner


A coroner has ruled that a woman died in hospital after a “catastrophic brain injury,” as a result of “neglect,” which contributed to her death.

Juliet Marlow, who was 48, died following an operation in July 2018 at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital – after staff failed to notice she was going into diabetic shock. Her blood sugar was not monitored and she was given insulin but no sugar.

The ruling by the Hampshire coroner, Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp, concluded that there were serious errors in Juliet’s care. Her family wanted to ensure a thorough investigation. This was only possible with specialist representation and they instructed Hugh James to act for them.

Speaking of this week’s ruling, Hugh James Solicitor, Lynda Reynolds, who represented the family alongside Barrister, Edward Ramsay, said:

“The Coroner’s finding that Juliet’s death was contributed to by neglect is a serious one and reserved for gross failures. This decision is significant for Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust and the family are pleased to see some measure of justice in what can only be described as been harrowing circumstances for them.”

During her life, Juliet was steadfast member and spokesperson of the disability rights group Not Dead Yet UK, which campaigns against assisted suicide. The group described Mrs Marlow as a “lynchpin” of the organisation and her passion for equal representation was included at her inquest.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Juliet’s mother, Yvonne Boyd, responded to the verdict and said:

“Juliet suffered throughout her life but, despite that, she led a happy and active life. We believe she was able to make a difference in the disability world, particularly with her involvement with the Not Dead Yet campaign. Nothing will bring her back but we are pleased with the coroner’s ruling. We are also comforted by that fact that the NHS trust has made significant changes since her death so that this tragedy isn’t repeated.”

Have you or a member of your family suffered an injury due to mistakes made during medical treatment? Our specialist medical negligence, also known as clinical negligence, solicitors can advise if you are eligible to make a compensation claim and will fully explain the claims process with you during your free consultation.

Author bio

Lynda Reynolds

Partner

Lynda is a Partner and Head of the Inquest Team that forms part of the Clinical Negligence Department in the London office. She has considerable experience in assisting families with inquests that relate to deaths in hospital or care homes, where medical negligence is suspected.

She has been instructed on Article 2 inquests, inquests with juries and complicated medical inquests where numerous experts have been instructed. Where necessary she will make submissions on the Coroner’s power to issue Prevention of Future Deaths reports. Her inquest role combined with subsequent civil claims ensures that she is a specialist on Fatal Accident Act Claims. She is recognised in both UK Chambers & Partners and Legal 500.

In addition to her role in the Inquest team Lynda has a caseload of complex clinical negligence matters which include cerebral palsy, brain injuries, spinal injuries and cauda equina claims.

Disclaimer: The information on the Hugh James website is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such. If you would like to ensure the commentary reflects current legislation, case law or best practice, please contact the blog author.

 

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