What caused the pregnant woman's death at Royal Stoke University Hospital?

The pregnant woman died from septic shock, with her death attributed to neglect and a gross failure of care by the hospital.

How long did the pregnant woman wait in A&E before being seen?

The pregnant woman waited over two hours for a triage assessment, significantly exceeding the recommended 15 minutes.

What did the coroner conclude about the hospital's care?

The coroner concluded that there was a complete failure of care, and that timely treatment would likely have saved the pregnant woman's life.

Home / Health / Pregnant Mom Dies After Hours Unseen in A&E

Pregnant Mom Dies After Hours Unseen in A&E

24 Jan

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Summary

Pregnant woman died from septic shock after a lengthy wait.
Hospital failed to prioritize pregnant patients in A&E.
Coroner cited gross failure of care and neglect in her death.

Pregnant Mom Dies After Hours Unseen in A&E

A 33-year-old pregnant woman tragically died from septic shock at Royal Stoke University Hospital on October 1, 2024, after experiencing severe bleeding and pain. Dhananji Dona was admitted at 11:30 am but faced a prolonged wait in the A&E department. Her husband reported she was not physically examined despite emphasizing her critical condition.

An investigation uncovered 11 contributing factors to her death, including a wait of over two hours for triage, exceeding the 15-minute recommendation. Pregnant women were not prioritized, and sepsis assessment tools were improperly used. The report noted that clinical staff's perception of her appearance may have led to her symptoms being underestimated.

The coroner concluded that Dhananji's death resulted from natural causes contributed to by neglect, calling it a "gross failure of care." It was determined that timely intervention, particularly for sepsis, would likely have saved her life. A report has been issued urging the hospital to implement improved observation systems for pregnant patients.