Coroner's request for more information over death of 71-year-old cancer patient at Blackpool Victoria Hospital
Family’s concern over cancer patient’s earlier reaction following CT scan
A coroner says he requires further information before making the decision over whether an inquest into the death of a 71-year-old woman at Blackpool Victoria Hospital is to go ahead.
Jacqueline Thompson, who was under treatment for lung cancer, died from asphyxia caused by aspiration of gastric content after she vomited on the way back from a CT scan.
Her family said that she has vomited following a CT scan some months earlier after suffering an adverse reaction to CT contrasts - special dye used to highlight specific organs, blood vessels or tissues to make them appear much brighter on scan images.
The family also had concerns over monitoring of her following the scan which preceded her death and Blackpool and Fylde chief coroner asked at a review hearing at Blackpool Town Hall for more information before he decides whether or not to proceed with an inquest.
All the latest news and top stories from across Blackpool and the Fylde coast directly to your phone.
Never miss a thing. Click here to join
As well as more detail about Mrs Thompson’s treatment, he wants the view of an oncology consultant.
“The question is ‘was there a failure and did it make a difference to when she died’,” said Mr Wilson, who added there has to be an arguable failure in case for an inquest to proceed.
He set a provisional inquest date of July 16 pending the requested information.