Family seek answers after grandfather's sepsis death

The family of Owen Beirne paid tribute to the 78-year-old, describing him as wonderful, generous and a legend.

They have submitted a formal complaint after raising concerns about his care in Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley but the inquest found he died of a rare complication.

Mr Beirne, of Springfield Crescent in Dudley, was admitted to Russells Hall on January 31 for an operation to remove a stone from his bile duct.

The procedure took place but the removal was unsuccessful and a different method was planned instead, the hearing was told.

However, that night, Mr Beirne, a retired engineer, fell ill and was re-admitted. A CT scan was conducted and it was discovered that Mr Beirne’s small bowel had been perforated and his pancreas was inflamed.

He was transferred to critical care on February 2 and put on antibiotics.

Despite making a slow recovery, sepsis was discovered and he died on February 23. The cause of death given was retroperitoneal sepsis.

Mr Beirne’s family said on one visit to the hospital, he was discovered in his own faeces, shouting for help.

They said an official complaint had been submitted to the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust.

Speaking to the Express & Star, Daughter Kerry Skeldon, said: “My father was the victim of apathy and ineptitude. The pain we feel is excruciating.

“He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a loyal friend to many, as anyone who knew him would agree.

“He was incredibly generous, sometimes to a fault, and if need be, he would have given his last penny if it could help a situation.

“He was a hard-working man, only retiring from work as an engineer four years ago, at the age of 75, and if he could have, he would have carried on forever. He loved his job.

“He truly was a character and a legend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He didn’t need to express his love towards his family because we didn’t need him to – we felt every ounce of love that he had for each and every one of us.

“It was the hardest thing we had to do to watch him suffer because he certainly did not deserve it after fighting cancer twice, only to be taken so horrifically at the end.

“Our lives have been changed forever because we as a family have got to learn to live without this wonderful person.

“But hopefully changes can be made, and what has happened to our family can be avoided for others in the future. We will love and miss him forever.”

Speaking at the inquest at Black Country Coroners Court, Doctor Sharan Shetty, gastroenterologist, said: “This was a rare complication that happens to one per cent or less. I have done thousands of procedures but have not come across a perforation like this before.

“At one stage he did show improvements but sadly his breathing deteriorated and then he gained a chest infection.”

Senior Coroner Zafar Siddique, gave a narrative conclusion. He said: “Sadly Mr Beirne died of a rare but recognised risk. I am satisfied that it was linked to the procedure, but I offer my heartfelt condolences.”

Mr Beirne also suffered from lung cancer and COPD.

Diane Wake, chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr Beirne. We acknowledge the coroner’s narrative conclusion.

"We are liaising with the family who have some concerns about aspects of his care to help us continue to offer high quality care.”