Stafford nurse struck off following patient’s death

Posted: 20th September 2013

Posted in: Medical Negligence Wrongful & Accidental Death 

After Gillian Astbury (66) died at Stafford Hospital in 2007 after not receiving insulin, the nurse who failed to identify her diabetes has now been struck off. July saw the two nurses responsible, Ann King and Jeannette Coulson, being deemed guilty of medical misconduct by a Nursing and Midwifery panel. Jeannette Coulson has been given a cautionary charge that will last three years, while Ann King has been completely struck off by the panel.

A hearing that took place earlier in the year found that both nurses were guilty of numerous acts of misconduct in the hospital. Ms King was found to have lied about the care of patients, falsely claiming that patients’ dressings had been changed and that their medication had been given. Coulson admitted to swearing at staff, while both were found guilty of not carrying out blood-sugar level tests on Ms Astbury.

Did not receive insulin for 48 hours

Ms Astbury was admitted to Stafford Hospital a week after suffering a stroke in April 2007, hospital staff then failed to provide her with insulin for 48 hours and was later discovered to have collapsed in her bed at 22:30 on the 10th of April.

A statement made by the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust said that its thoughts were with Ms Astbury’s family and that it apologised for the “appalling care” she received.

Since the accident, both nurses have left the trust and the trust itself is facing prosecution from the Health and Safety Executive under the health and safety at work act.

If you have been affected by medical negligence, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us. 

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