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Sent home gran died

26/ 9/2008

A CORONER has called for Trafford General to change its standard procedures following the death of a Flixton grandmother-of-six died after she was discharged from the hospital.

Mary Walker, 63, of Woodsend Road, stayed overnight after suffering a minor head injury when she slipped and hit her head in her kitchen on February 13.

But less than an hour after returning home from the hospital the next day, she had a seizure caused by a blood clot on the brain and was taken back by ambulance. She was transferred to Salford’s Hope Hospital, where she had surgery, but died on February 23.

Although she had suffered a mini stroke in March 2007, she was not given a brain scan during her first visit to the hospital. Stockport coroner John Pollard said: "I wonder whether there ought to be something written into the protocols. I would have thought it may be wise for her to go for a scan. But that is with the wisdom of hindsight."

Trafford General consultant Mr Anandadas said that after monitoring Mrs Walker for 16 hours and giving her anti-clotting medicine she seemed fine. He added: "I know Mr Walker very well and I feel very sad that this has happened."

Consultant surgeon Mr Gnanalingham said it was "entirely appropriate" a scan hadn’t been given in Mrs Walker’s case.

Mr Jimmy Stuart, clinical director of Trafford General, said the blood thinning treatment given when she was first admitted could have contributed to the clot on her brain. But he said that without it, another clot of equal strength may have formed.

He added:"It was a difficult case and a judgement was made on balance."

Pathologist Dr Salmo recorded the cause of death as subdural haematoma, followed by a blunt injury to the head.

Retired care assitant Mrs Walker, originally from Gorton, lived in Trafford for most of her life. She owned an allotment and was described by her husband Samuel as an "independent, hardworking person with a good sense of humour who was devoted to her grandchildren."

Coroner Pollard recorded a verdict of accidental death.