Inquest concern over procedures

HOSPITAL procedures have been criticised after clinicians signed a consent form for a procedure which resulted in the death of a 72-year-old woman – without asking her family.

Margaret Stott underwent an endoscopic colostomy at the Royal Oldham Hospital to relieve discomfort from intestinal pseudo obstruction.

Her son, Colin Boulter and his wife, Karen, told Friday’s inquest into the death they would have made themselves available at any time to talk to surgeons.

Mrs Boulter questioned the right of clinicians to sign a consent form on behalf of Mrs Stott, who had dementia, for such a “high risk” procedure.

Fairfield Hospital, Bury-based Dr Roger Prudham, consultant gastroenterologist, told the inquest consent was signed by clinicians because it had been difficult to make himself available at North Manchester, where she was a patient, to see Mrs Stott’s family for he didn’t spend much time there.

He added: “I would only undertake the procedure to relieve discomfort and suffering. Had it not been undertaken, there is a possibility the colon would have perforated anyway,” added Dr Prudham.

Mrs Stott was discharged from the Royal Oldham Hospital on February 7, 2011, 20 days after the procedure. Her son said she was still “clearly very ill,” and said he was “amazed” she had been sent home. She was admitted to North Manchester General Hospital next day on the advice of a GP, and died the following day.

A post mortem examination said Mrs Stott’s death was caused by pneumonia and peritonitis due to a percutaneous endoscopic colostomy.

Coroner Matthew Cox recorded a verdict of recognised complications of necessary therapeutic intervention.