Coroner probes death of heart patient, 72, from Cumbria who died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital

A coroner has asked for more information before finalising the details of when an inquest into the death of a heart patient at Blackpool Victoria Hospital might be held.

David Simmons, 72, had had several consultations at the Furness General Hospital near his home in Cumbria before coming to Blackpool, which hosts the regional cardiology centre.

Mr Simmons had a history of cardiac problems but was found at a consultation in February not to need aortic valve intervention and to remain on medication.

The following month, he was prescribed aspirin after suffering chest pains and he died at Blackpool on April 7.

A post mortem examination found evidence of a coronary artery clot, an inquest review at Blackpool Town Hall heard.

His cause of death was found to be coronary artery disease, which led to a coronary thrombosis, which in turn led to a myocardial infarction, or heart attack.

Blackpool and Fylde chief coroner Alan Wilson said he wanted details of any blood thinning medication Mr Simmons might have been prescribed, along with a detailed statement from the doctor involved.

He asked Ranu Rowan, head of legal services at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust, for the information within 28 days.

He said an inquest was likely to take place and that his office would come back to Mr Simmons’ family with a date.