An elderly woman died after experiencing significant delays in receiving medical treatment, an inquest has revealed. Ruth Susan Coles, aged 77, passed away at Withybush General Hospital due to complications from an ascending aortic aneurysm. The inquest, held at Haverfordwest County Hall, heard that Mrs. Coles lived with her husband in Pembroke Dock and had some underlying health issues.
On the day of her death, Mrs. Coles began feeling unwell, experiencing chest pains and collapsing onto the floor. Paramedics arrived promptly after a call was made, but delays occurred in transferring her to a specialist hospital. Despite efforts to diagnose her condition and arrange a transfer to Morriston Hospital’s cardiac centre, significant delays in conducting a CT scan impacted the timely treatment required.
Acting senior coroner Paul Bennett highlighted that the delays in diagnosing Mrs. Coles’ condition and arranging for her transfer potentially contributed to the fatal outcome. The inquest revealed that a timely diagnosis and transfer could have made a difference in her prognosis. Mrs. Coles suffered a cardiac arrest and tragically passed away in the early hours of May 17, 2022.
The inquest underscored the importance of swift medical intervention in cases such as Mrs. Coles’. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can have severe consequences, as demonstrated in this heartbreaking case. The coroner’s narrative verdict emphasized the significance of timely and efficient healthcare responses in potentially life-threatening situations.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the critical role healthcare professionals play in promptly identifying and treating medical emergencies. It also highlights the importance of streamlined processes and clear protocols in ensuring timely access to appropriate medical care for all patients.