Family's shock as Stafford Hospital inquest is halted

A fresh inquiry into the death of John Moore-Robinson who was hurt after a mountain bike accident on Cannock Chase in April 2006 was opened this week after his parents fought years for a new hearing.

The 20-year-old telecommunications engineer collapsed at his home in Leicestershire, less than 24 hours after being released from Stafford Hospital. He had an undiagnosed ruptured spleen.

Coroner Catherine Mason yesterday adjourned the intended four day inquest at Leicester Town Hall on the second day to trace other staff who were on duty when Mr Moore-Robinson was admitted to the hospital.

At least two more nurses and a doctor who had been on the rota with Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust will now need to be contacted to provide evidence. It came as a result of evidence that came to light as the inquest was in progression.

Speaking after the adjournment John's father, Frank Robinson, of Coalville, Leicestershire, "We are eight years in now and we are still being told there has not been full disclosure.

"The trust now needs to go back and do a lot of soul searching. They have destroyed our lives and are continuing to do so.

"We are speechless, we are shocked, totally shocked.

"I appreciate the coroner is doing a job and it is plain to see she was very angry, and now we have just got to watch this space again."

Addressing the inquest the coroner she said: "I am sorry I am in this position but if I am to do the right thing I must not ignore what I now know.

"I must not and I will not ignore it, to do so will not satisfy a full and fearless inquest."

The hearing was adjourned until July 2 for a pre-inquest review, ahead of the inquest being able to continue.

In a statement afterwards Maggie Oldham, chief executive at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are so very sorry that John's family and friends have to endure a further wait for a conclusion to the inquest.

"I have assured Mr and Mrs Robinson that there was no deliberate attempt to conceal any information or documents either from them or from the coroner.

"We believed we had complied fully in providing all of the information requested.We will continue to cooperate in every way possible with the coroner and will supply all further information required."

An inquest in 2007 recorded a narrative verdict but Mr Moore-Robinson's Frank and Janet successfully fought for a fresh hearing.

The High Court granted the Robinson family permission for a new coroner's inquiry after reviewing new evidence.

The initial verdict returned at the first inquest has been quashed.