The family of a mother who died after routine surgery on a broken ankle say doctors missed five chances to save her.
Laura Griffiths, 35, died of a lung heart attack at Pinderfields Hospital on December 31, 2019.
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The teacher, from Huddersfield, had surgery the day before to repair an ankle she had broken in a fall on the night of December 14.
Lung infarction occurs when a section of lung tissue dies because its blood supply has been blocked, a previous hearing was told.
Contributing causes were given as pulmonary thromboembolism resulting from deep vein thrombosis in the left leg and operation for a traumatic ankle fracture.
Her family previously said there were “many missed opportunities by a number of healthcare professionals” involved in Laura’s care.
On Tuesday, the inquest into Laura’s death resumed at Bradford Coroners’ Court as doctors gave evidence about the care she received before and after surgery.
The family’s lawyer, Sarah Edwards, raised questions about “two missed doses” of Tinzaparin, a medicine used to treat deep vein thrombosis, in the days leading up to the surgery.
Laura, a mother of two, did not take her medication on December 22 and 23 because she had completed her seven-day supply.
The lawyer questioned a 90-minute delay in the supply of Tinzaparin on the night of December 30th.
The family also questioned whether Laura receiving “sub-optimal” doses of Tinzaparin after surgery – due to her weight being recorded incorrectly – contributed to her deep vein thrombosis.
The family’s lawyer said Laura had been experiencing pain and swelling in her knee for days before the surgery.
If she had been fully examined and assessed, a blood clot could have been found behind her knee, they added.
It is now known that Laura had deep vein thrombosis at the time of the operation, but it was not detected because no one examined her, according to her family.
They say the risk of thrombosis was high and she should have been examined.
Giving evidence, Dr Ehab Kheir told the assistant coroner, Angela Brocklehurst, that it was “unlikely” that the delay in prescribing Tinzaparin had had a detrimental effect.
Family says five chances to save her were missed
1/2: “Two missed doses” of Tinzaparin, a medication used to treat deep vein thrombosis, in the days before surgery.
3: A 90-minute delay in the supply of Tinzaparin on the evening of December 30th.
4: Laura was given ‘sub-optimal’ doses of Tinzaparin after surgery – due to her weight being recorded incorrectly.
5: Laura had been experiencing pain and swelling in her knee in the days leading up to surgery, and if she had been fully examined and evaluated before surgery, a blood clot could have been found behind her knee.
Dr Kheir said he was aware of Laura’s high risk of venous thromboembolism when he saw her on December 30.
The doctor said he asked Laura if she was taking injections to combat deep vein thrombosis and she said yes.
He said Laura did not mention pain in the back of her knee on the day of the operation.
Dr Joanna Haughton, consultant haematologist, said she could not say whether it was possible or likely that the two days of missed doses of Tinzaparin had contributed more than minimally to Laura’s death.
She was unable to say whether the delay in administering Tinzaparin after the operation contributed to Laura’s death.
The hearing was adjourned to allow the coroner to consider his conclusion and for lawyers for the family and hospital trust to present closing submissions to the coroner.
The investigation is expected to be completed in August.
In an earlier statement, her mother Cath said her daughter’s death was a huge shock and everyone was heartbroken.
What is a pulmonary embolism?
A PULMONARY embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the lungs.
It can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Check if you have pulmonary embolism
Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:
- difficulty breathing that comes on suddenly
- chest pain that gets worse when you breathe in
- coughing up blood
You may also experience pain, redness, and swelling in one of your legs (usually the calf).
These are symptoms of a blood clot, also called DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
Source: SNS
Cath said Laura was “determined, loyal, funny, feisty, loving, supportive, dedicated, caring, brave and strong.”
Laura earned three separate college degrees and developed a passion for helping children with special needs.
She was an award-winning gymnast and had a black belt in taekwondo.
Laura has had several different careers, including social worker, mental health nurse, and special needs teacher.
She became a mother in 2015 and had her second child in 2017.
Laura has created her own Charitable Activity for Everyone, for children and adults with special needs.
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