Family told wife was dying during visiting hours

A woman's family were told she was taking her final breaths when they arrived during visitors' hours at hospital, an inquest heard.

Norma Rudge died at Sandwell Hospital on April 26 this year after her kidneys failed.

This was due to a malignant tumour in her pelvis.

Pathologist Dr Sohail Muzaffar said the 59-year-old, of Toll End Road in Tipton, was also suffering from breast cancer which was previously undiagnosed.

Widower Robert Rudge told an inquest into her death yesterday that nurses called him to ask if anyone was due to visit her at hospital on the day she died.

Smethwick Coroner's Court heard the family were waiting 40 minutes before a nurse told them Norma's condition had deteriorated rapidly overnight and doctors confirmed she was taking her dying breaths.

Retired post office clerk Mr Rudge told the hearing: "Nurses said she took a turn for the worst and said she's having her last breaths."

Mr Rudge, aged 53, said he had a number of concerns about his wife's care before she passed away.

Retired Dudley Council transport worker Ralph Nock, Norma's brother-in-law, of Oakley Avenue in Tipton, added: "There were dirty tissues and body fluids on the floor.

When the curtains were pulled around her bed, and we were trying to say goodbye, the patient in the next bed had visitors."

Black Country coroner Robin Balmain recorded the medical cause of death as a large malignant pelvic carcenoma which led to kidney failure and a verdict of a death by natural causes.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Rudge said a complaint was pending with Sandwell Hospital bosses.

Jeanette Lunt, spokeswoman for Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, confirmed a complaint had been received and was being investigated.