Woman, 71, died of sepsis after blood tests missed ‘due to neglect during three-day junior doctors’ strike’

NEGLECT by striking junior doctors may have killed an NHS patient in Carlisle, a coroner has ruled.

Daphne Austin died of sepsis on June 18 last year after a three-day walkout by the British Medical Association.

She had been an inpatient at Cumberland Infirmary for nearly a month following a stroke and developed dehydration and a kidney complication that were not properly treated.

Cumbria coroner Robert Cohen said she missed out on vital blood tests because of the strike.

NHS figures show an average of 101 junior doctors were on strike at the North Cumbria NHS Trust between June 14 and 16, while Ms Austin was in hospital.

Neglect contributed to Ms Austin’s death

Robert CohenHM Assistant Coroner for Cumbria

Coroner Cohen said in his Prevention of Future Deaths Report: “Blood testing was not carried out on 15th or 16th June, it is more likely than not that this was because of industrial action by junior doctors. 

“On 17th June 2023, Ms Austin’s condition deteriorated and it became apparent that she had developed sepsis. 

“Despite treatment, Ms Austin died as a result of that condition on 18th June 2023.

“Neglect contributed to Ms Austin’s death.

“I am concerned that the planning that seeks to ensure safe levels of cover during periods of industrial action was insufficient to meet need and that this gave rise to a risk of future deaths.”

Junior doctors in the BMA have been on strike 11 times since March 2023, with more than 20,000 taking part each time.

They are now voting on the offer of a pay rise worth around 22 per cent but are likely to protest again next year.

Death ‘could have been avoided’

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust said: “We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mrs Austin.  

“Our initial findings indicate that some opportunities were missed to improve the care delivered to Mrs Austin. 

“We have worked with the clinical team to improve the way that fluid intake is monitored and this has been acknowledged by the Coroner in their ruling. 

“We are now reviewing the full findings to consider what other lessons can be learned.

“During any period of industrial action we do put plans in place to cover any shortages in staffing.  

“We are sorry the Coroner felt this was a factor on this occasion.”

The British Medical Association blamed the hospital for poor planning.

Professor Philip Banfield, chair of council at the union, said: “We are really sorry this happened. 

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Daphne Austin’s family; this is a death that could well have been avoided. 

“As the Coroner notes, the North Cumbria Trust’s lack of preparation and inability to ensure sufficient staffing levels during industrial action significantly contributed to this woman’s death. 

“Throughout all strike periods, the BMA made it clear that during any action taken by members, NHS trusts must maintain safe and appropriate staffing levels to ensure patient safety.”