The Department of Health and Social Care profoundly regrets the death of Aimee while she was in the care of Noble's Hospital, and the distress this has caused to her family. Her unexpected death after surgery in July 2017 is a matter of concern, and the Department offers its sincere condolences to Aimee's parents for their loss.
Noble's Hospital undertook a detailed investigation into events leading to Aimee's death, chaired by the Associate Medical Director for patient safety, and the findings were shared with Aimee's parents and the Coroner of Inquests. In addition, an external review was commissioned of the anaesthetic care given to Aimee during the operation.
The Coroner has accepted that appropriate checks were made on Aimee after she was transferred to the ward, that she appeared to be recovering well, and that her cardiac arrest was sudden and unexpected. The Department takes on board the Coroner's comment that measures introduced should continue to be monitored and audited.
The DHSC has assisted the Coroner in his inquiry and supported a number of health staff who have given evidence. The Department fully accepts the carefully considered narrative verdict of the Coroner.
The thoughts of staff throughout the Department are with Aimee's family at the close of the inquest, which has inevitably been a distressing time.
