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Coroner Flags Critical Delay in Paracetamol Overdose Care
14 Aug
Summary
- A coroner raised concerns over a 19-hour delay in critical treatment.
- Tests showed high paracetamol levels but medication was delayed.
- The woman died of multiple organ failure and liver failure.
Assistant coroner Louise Slater has issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report following the death of Barbara Cope, 75, at Rotherham Hospital. Cope was admitted on 11 June 2025 and passed away due to multiple organ failure, acute liver failure, and inadvertent paracetamol toxicity.
Despite test results on 12 June 2025 at 16:06 BST showing a high paracetamol level, medication to treat the overdose was not administered until 12:30 BST on 13 June 2025, approximately 19 hours later. The coroner noted the delay occurred despite clinical deterioration and medical reviews overnight.
Slater emphasized that paracetamol excess requires "time-critical management" to prevent irreversible liver damage. She called for clearer communication and record-keeping regarding patient responsibility and follow-up care in such circumstances. The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust stated its commitment to addressing the issues raised.
