Coventry woman's choking death ruled to be 'misadventure'

[dutchman]

Janet Brammer died after being admitted to hospital in July 2022



A coroner has recorded the death of a woman who choked to death on an eclair in hospital while not being allowed solid foods as "misadventure".

Janet Brammer, 79, was on a liquid-only diet when hospital staff in Coventry left an eclair and sandwich at her bed.

She choked and suffered a heart attack with remnants of food in her windpipe.

Her family objected to the coroner's verdict and blamed "incompetence" at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire.

Mrs Brammer, from Willenhall in Coventry, was remembered as beautiful, caring and outgoing by her daughters.

Christine Mesi said her mother had been admitted to hospital in July 2022 after becoming confused, thought to have been a side-effect of a new medication.

She was unable to swallow solids so was put on a liquid only - or nil by mouth - diet.

However Ms Mesi said this was not followed by staff.

On the day she died, "the nurse came in and gave her a sandwich and a chocolate eclair besides her bedside table and left it on the tray," Ms Mesi said.

"My mum obviously thought, 'OK if that's left then I'm allowed to have it', so she took a bite and she choked."

Coventry coroner Delroy Henry heard from both the family and a hospital representative before recording a verdict of misadventure.

"We disagree with the verdict because we feel as though it was neglect more than misadventure," said Mrs Brammer's granddaughter, Aleiya, after it had been delivered.

A spokesperson for University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust said it had "taken action to learn lessons and further strengthen working practices following this sad case".

They said the coroner's findings were fully accepted, adding: "Our thoughts remain with Mrs Brammer's family at this incredibly difficult time".

[dutchman]

'Devastated' family vows to sue NHS over death of much-loved Coventry mum



A heartbroken family plans to take legal action against the NHS over the harrowing death of a much-loved Coventry mum. Janet Brammer, 77, was on a puréed food diet when a member of staff at University Hospital Coventry left an eclair at her bedside.

The staff member returned moments later to collect the cake only to find the mum-of-two had eaten it. Mrs Brammer, lovingly described as 'my queen' by her heartbroken daughters, choked and suffered a heart attack with remnants of food in her windpipe.

During the inquest into her death University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust accepted liability for her death. The organisation also accepted Coventry Coroner Delroy Henry's verdict of misadventure.

Elaine Brammer and Christine Mesi, Mrs Brammer's daughters, have rejected the coroner's verdict believing negligence to be a critical factor. Elaine, who lives in Nuneaton, told CoventryLive: "We are going to pursue this through the appropriate legal channels.

"The hospital have accepted liability and there was clear negligence on their part. All the staff should have known about our mum's situation. There was a bright yellow sign above her bed."

Elaine added: "We are all devastated. We have up and down days. The inquest brought it all back so it's been a really difficult time. There's a strong feeling of grief.

"We were hoping for a better result in the (Coroners') court and now we're going to pursue it legally."

[rebbonk]

I wish the family well on their quest, but they are on an uphill battle!