Family of op tragedy man to sue

The family of Wednesbury steel worker who died after an operation at Walsall Manor Hospital have said they will sue over his treatment.

Alan Shakespeare, aged 59, of Lloyd Road, died on February 28 after being admitted to the hospital with a chest infection. His family say his treatment fell below standard after a routine procedure to insert an antibiotics line punctured his lung.

He also contracted MRSA at the hospital.

But at an inquest into his death at Walsall Coroner's Court yesterday, Black Country coroner Robin Balmain recorded a verdict of death by natural causes contributed to by known but rare complications of elective surgery.

After the inquest, the Shakespeare family's solicitor, Victoria Blankstone, said: "The family has been devastated by Alan's death and are disappointed by the coroner's verdict.

"While the inquest established some of the circumstances surrounding Alan's tragic death, many questions remain unanswered and, notwithstanding today's verdict, the family intend to pursue legal action."

Mr Shakespeare was admitted to Walsall Manor Hospital on November 9 last year, suffering from a chest infection.

During his stay he contracted MRSA and he was discharged on January 14 before fully recovering from either condition, the hearing was told. He remained unwell and was readmitted to the hospital on January 28 this year.

Walsall Manor Hospital spokeswoman Anna Sykes said: "As always we are very saddened by the death of one of our patients and would like to extend our condolences to Mr Shakespeare's family.

The coroner has recorded that his death was by natural causes."