Home / Health / Sickle Cell Patient's Pain 'Ridiculed' at Hospital
Sickle Cell Patient's Pain 'Ridiculed' at Hospital
27 Oct
Summary
- Mother's pain from sickle cell disease was allegedly ridiculed by hospital staff.
- She died after incorrectly administering her own medication at home.
- Her brother stated front-line staff lacked training to recognize urgent pain.
An inquest into the death of Veronique Mwembo, a 32-year-old mother, revealed allegations that hospital staff "ridiculed" her pain caused by sickle cell disease. Mwembo, who lived with the genetic condition her entire life, died on January 23, 2026, following a cardiac arrest at her home in Norwich. The coroner determined that she had administered pain medicines and antibiotics incorrectly, leading to her death.
Her family shared during the inquest that Mwembo's mental health suffered due to feeling repeatedly dismissed by healthcare providers. Her older brother, Emmie Mwembo, an associate clinical practitioner at the same hospital, noted a "clear correlation" between her sickle cell battles and mental health issues. He stated that while specialist staff were supportive, front-line staff often lacked the necessary training to validate her severe pain.
Concerns were raised about Mwembo overhearing comments like "frequent flyer" and suggestions she was seeking morphine, with instances of waiting up to six hours for pain relief, far exceeding the recommended 30 minutes. The Sickle Cell Society noted that such experiences are not uncommon and highlighted systemic failures in care. The hospital trust is implementing new training, though it is not yet mandatory, prompting the coroner to recommend mandatory training for all front-line staff treating sickle cell patients.
