The family of a nurse who tragically passed away shortly after being discharged from the hospital is accusing the NHS of failing her. Paula Ivers, a 47-year-old mother, was discovered collapsed in her bedroom by her daughter in Denton, Tameside. An investigation revealed that she had suffered a cardiac arrest due to an aortic tear.
During an inquiry into her death, it was disclosed that Paula had visited Tameside Hospital A&E with severe chest pain, likening it to a pain worse than childbirth. Despite her distress, she was sent home after reassurances that it was not heart-related. Her family contends that the hospital’s care and diagnosis were inadequate.
Paula’s partner, Simon Norbury, recounted the events leading to her tragic demise, emphasizing the severity of her pain and the reassurances given by medical staff that it was not cardiac-related. Despite her escalating discomfort in the following days, she was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease and sent home with indigestion remedies.
Unfortunately, Paula’s condition deteriorated, and she eventually succumbed to a cardiac arrest caused by a thoracic aortic dissection. The inquest revealed that her clinical observations appeared normal, and initial tests did not raise immediate concerns.
Dr. Osama Ahmed, a consultant at Tameside, reviewed Paula’s case but did not foresee the aortic dissection. He acknowledged the lack of consideration for her family history and conceded that she should not have been sent to the Same Day Emergency Care Unit.
Lesley, Paula’s sister and also a nurse, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and highlighted Paula’s dedication to nursing. The family is devastated by the perceived failure of the NHS to provide adequate care when Paula needed it most.
The inquest has been adjourned for further evidence to be presented at a later date.