DR RON DANIELS: Chloe Rideout (pictured), 20, was discharged from University Hospital Plymouth in 2018 after routine appendix surgery, despite feeling unwell and blood tests showing signs of sepsis.
An inquest into her death has now entered a third day, with evidence heard from consultant physician Dr Mervyn Davies, an expert in hepatology, gastroenterology, and general medicine. He said he was in complete agreement that the cause of death was multiple organ failure, with contributing factors of sepsis and a perforated appendix. The inquest heard that Chloe had a liver injury that then worsened through sepsis and ultimately led to multiple organ failure. Dr Davies said that in his opinion infection may have played a role in the initial liver injury. Chloe Rideout with her dad Dave Rideout The inquest had been told previously that there was an inconclusive suggestion that Chloe may, or may not, have taken a recreational drug or had her drink spiked while in Bristol.
Chloe s mother was so concerned about her daughter s condition that she slept in the same room with her that night and at 9am the next day called 111. A nurse came to check on her, who did not feel hospital was required, but only ten minutes after she had left Mrs Rideout called 999 and asked for an ambulance. Despite considerable efforts made by staff at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, Chloe fell into a coma and died on October 20, 2018. After hearing all the evidence, Mr Cox said he would focus his findings on the period of care received by Chloe at Derriford, saying: My narrative conclusion is that Chloe died from a known complication, sepsis, following a necessary surgical procedure, an appendectomy, to which neglect contributed.
Chloe Rideout, 20, died following treatment at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, Devon, in October 2018.
An inquest in Truro, Cornwall, concluded that the young woman passed away as a result of a known complication, sepsis, after a necessary surgical procedure, an appendectomy, which neglect contributed to.
Senior Cornwall coroner Andrew Cox said her family had significant concerns following her admission to Derriford Hospital on October 7.
Among the shortcomings highlighted by Mr Cox, he said that although her bloods were ordered, they were not checked or acted upon before Ms Rideout was discharged.
Had they been, he said medics would have been aware her inflammation was not under control as she was deteriorating clinically.