Derby Coroner to write to Hywel Dda Health Board and Welsh Ambulance service over holidaymaker's treatment

DERBY'S Coroner says he is "appalled" by the treatment a 61-year-old mother received after a Welsh hospital failed to spot that she had broken her back.

Dr Robert Hunter is planning to write to the health board and ambulance service that cared for Tina Pick, who died following a heart attack four days after she fell down a flight of 12 stairs while on holiday with her husband in Pembrokeshire.

Derby and South Derbyshire Coroner's Court heard Mrs Pick, of Athol Close, Sinfin, was taken to Withybush Hospital by ambulance after the fall on July 11, 2011, but she was not placed on a spinal board or given a neck brace for the 26-mile journey.

She was also given no pain relief on the journey despite paramedic Robert Rees, who attended the call, noting she was in severe pain.

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Once at the hospital, Mrs Pick, who also suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which narrows the airways, was placed on a bed and was seen by Dr Jonathan Barlow. She required stitches to her head and after being assessed was discharged without any further scans being undertaken.

But the inquest heard that when the couple returned to Derby on July 12, Mrs Pick collapsed in the kitchen of their home after suffering a heart attack.

It was only when she was taken to Royal Derby Hospital that it was discovered that during the fall she had fractured her sternum and a vertebrae in her spine.

The inquest heard neither of these were diagnosed by Dr Barlow. Mrs Pick died in hospital on July 15.

Derby Coroner Dr Robert Hunter recorded a verdict of accidental death, stating that he could not say whether Mrs Pick's death could have been prevented had the Welsh hospital correctly diagnosed her injuries.

He said: "I am appalled at the way your wife was treated by all the healthcare professionals she was seen by.

"I will be writing to the health board and the ambulance service outlining my concerns."

Following the inquest, a Welsh Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family at this difficult time. The trust will be giving full and urgent consideration to the coroner's verdict to ensure that all opportunities are taken to continuously improve our service."

A Hywel Dda Health Board spokeswoman said: "The health board wishes to offer the family of Mrs Pick its sincere condolences.

"We note the verdict and will review the outcomes and issues raised to ensure the necessary actions are taken."