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Coroner Flags "Inadequate" Record Keeping at NHS Trust
29 Sep
Summary
- Inadequate patient records may compromise safety at an NHS trust.
- An 82-year-old patient died after hospital record deficiencies.
- The trust is committed to learning and improving its record-keeping.
A critical warning has been issued to an NHS trust concerning its "inadequate" record-keeping practices, which a coroner suggested could endanger patients.
This serious concern was highlighted by Assistant Coroner Rebecca Mundy after the death of 82-year-old Margaret Templeman at Southend Hospital in July 2025.
Mundy pointed out "significant deficiencies" in the management of Templeman's clinical records. These included lapses in documenting her hydration, nutrition, and medication.
Templeman had been admitted to Southend Hospital following a fall at her home on 16 July 2025. She sustained a leg fracture and sadly passed away eight days later when her condition deteriorated.
Christine Blanshard, chief medical officer for the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Southend Hospital, assured that the trust is "committed to learning and making improvements."
