An inquest has revealed that 'system and individual failings' contributed to the death of Geraldine 'Dina' Miles, an 84-year-old 'sprightly' mother of five from Kingstanding, who died at Good Hope Hospital in November. Mrs Miles, who was living independently, was admitted with diarrhoea on November 7 and deemed medically fit for discharge on November 17. However, she suffered a fatal cardiac arrest hours later due to untreated low potassium levels.
Coroner's Findings
Area Coroner Emma Brown expressed shock that test results showing dangerously low potassium levels were left unactioned for four days. 'It really shocks me that the result can sit there for four days,' she said, noting that industrial action had a bearing on the case. Dr Mark Andrew verbally instructed treatment but failed to record it in notes, while the handover to Dr Sukhdev Singh omitted crucial information about the potassium levels. Dr Singh apologised to the family, stating: 'I wish that information had been imparted to me because we could have spotted that and started supplements.'
Impact of Doctors' Strike
The ward was operating with only two locum doctors unfamiliar with gastroenterology instead of the usual four junior resident doctors due to strikes. Dr Singh insisted the oversight 'wouldn't have been missed' under normal conditions. The coroner concluded Mrs Miles' death was avoidable and due to omissions in medical care, calling the failure to ensure correct potassium levels 'very basic medicine'. She accepted that the industrial action created increased pressures and cognitive load for staff.
Family's Grief
The family of Mrs Miles expressed their devastation, highlighting that she was a vibrant and independent woman who deserved better care. The inquest serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of systemic failures in healthcare, particularly during periods of industrial action.
