Family of Blackpool Vic cleaner who died of coronavirus face six month wait for answers as investigation is suspended

The town’s coroner Alan Wilson said the decision was made because the court didn’t know how to proceed with an investigation into the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) at the hospital.

Eleuterio ‘Boy’ Gibela, 68, worked at the Vic for 20 years, and died on Saturday, May 2 after testing positive for the coronavirus.

Mr Wilson said: “He was reported to have been admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties on April 13, having previously tested positive for Covid-19 on April 9.

“He had increasing oxygen requirements and he had intensive care. Ultimately, he sadly failed to recover and he passed away.”

After his death, Mr Gibela’s family raised concerns with the court about whether the risks to the dad-of-two’s health had been properly assessed.

They also questioned whether he had been given adequate protection on the job.

Mr Wilson said: “From the information currently available, the prevailing view of the court is that it does not appear that Mr Gibela’s death appears to have been caused by inadequate PPE or a lack of PPE.

“There’s no evidence at all before this court that there are issues before the hospital in Blackpool in terms of the availability of PPE in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“But there may be evidence in relation to Mr Gibela’s death that may suggest otherwise.”

He decided to suspend the inquest under the guidance of the chief coroner, which states that a court may do so if a proper investigation requires evidence about policy and resourcing, including the provision of PPE for employees in a particular hospital.

He said: “I will seek to reassess this position in approximately six months time, because the Covid-19 pandemic is an ongoing situation, and we may have more clarity by then.

“We might not need to examine the matter further. I will review that nearer the time.”