Inquest over death of Dudley woman, 81, who did not get antibiotics for infection

Brenda Askins, of Chelmar Drive, Pensnett, was admitted to Russells Hall Hospital in March following a fall at her home.

She lived alone but was looked after by carers and her family.

On arrival, medical staff were told she had a head injury. Further examinations showed she had a large bruise to her left leg.

Doctors treated her for the leg injury and she was moved to Netherton Green Care Home, Netherton.

Mrs Askins was also given a blood test on April 9. The results, published the next day, showed she had "elevatory inflammatory markers", the inquest heard.

These markers are known as C-reactive proteins, which become present on the back of conditions like cancer or infections.

Senior coroner Zafar Siddique said: "She was prescribed antibiotics. But the doctor states she didn't receive the antibiotics, as they were sent inappropriately by the pharmacy, and the nursing staff didn't chase up the prescription.

"The doctor then did a follow-up review, five days later, and she appeared to be confused and unwell.

"That is when it was discovered she hadn't had any antibiotics, and then received the dose at that point. Sadly she died later that day."

He continued: "A digital autopsy has confirmed her cause of death was due to an infection; 1A urosepsis and in part two, extensive coronary artery calcification."

Mrs Askins, who was born in Dudley, was a widow and her occupation was given as housewife. She died on April 14.

Mr Siddique added: "Given the delay in prescribing the antibiotics, I have decided to open an inquest.

"Given the concerns raised by the family, the delay in prescribing the antibiotics, and the fact she then died from an infection, I'm going to have an inquest into this sad death."

No date has been officially set for the inquest to resume, but the coroner's office is considering dates in August.