What led to Sarah Heaver's death according to the coroner?

The coroner stated that the failure to diagnose a brain tumor likely contributed to Sarah Heaver's declining emotional state, which in turn led to her decision to end her life.

What were the key medical issues in Sarah Heaver's case?

Sarah Heaver had an undiagnosed pituitary brain tumor that put pressure on her adrenal gland. Doctors at QEQM Hospital failed to detect this during her hospital stay.

What concerns were raised by the coroner regarding hospital procedures?

The coroner expressed concerns about the lack of neurological investigations and structured observations for patients presenting with low consciousness scores, and inconsistent medical records, which hindered the investigation.

Home / Health / Coroner Links Undiagnosed Tumor to Suicide

Coroner Links Undiagnosed Tumor to Suicide

28 Jan

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Summary

Woman died six days after hospital discharge.
Doctors failed to diagnose a brain tumor pre-death.
Coroner cited missed diagnosis contributing to emotional state.

Coroner Links Undiagnosed Tumor to Suicide

A woman tragically died by suicide six days after her hospital discharge, following a failure by medical staff to diagnose a brain tumor. Sarah Heaver, 59, was found unconscious and taken to QEQM Hospital in Margate, but improved and was released without further investigation.

During the inquest, it was revealed that Sarah had expressed suicidal thoughts in the weeks leading up to her death. A post-mortem examination later confirmed a large pituitary brain tumor, which had been missed by doctors and was putting pressure on her adrenal gland.

Coroner Sarah Clarke has issued a report to prevent future deaths, highlighting concerns about the lack of neurological investigations and structured observations for patients with low consciousness scores. She noted the undiagnosed tumor likely contributed to Sarah's declining emotional state.