Relatives of a grandfather who passed away at Royal Stoke University Hospital on April 3, 2024, have expressed their deep sorrow over the circumstances surrounding his death. Phillip Unwin, a 68-year-old resident of Fulford, was admitted to the hospital after showing symptoms of fever, breathing issues, and chest pain. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his demise within a day.
An investigation into Phillip’s death revealed that it was due to natural causes. However, North Staffordshire coroner Daniel Howe emphasized the missed opportunities to provide timely care and warned of potential future fatalities without intervention.
Daughter Lynsey Gould, 44, shared that the family has been devastated by the tragedy. She described her father as an active man who enjoyed sports and had his asthma under control. Despite seeking medical help promptly, the hospital’s failure to diagnose his condition promptly led to a series of unfortunate events.
Phillip’s wife, Jennifer Unwin, recounted the distressing experience of watching her husband’s health decline while feeling ignored by medical staff. She expressed disappointment at the lack of attention and proper treatment provided to her husband during his time at the hospital.
Doctors later confirmed that Phillip’s death was a result of multi-organ failure triggered by pneumonia. His family firmly believes that timely and accurate medical intervention could have prevented this tragedy, echoing the concerns raised by the coroner.
In response to the coroner’s findings, the University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) NHS Trust has implemented changes to improve patient care, including a ‘named-nurse’ approach and a system allowing concerned relatives to request urgent medical assessments.
Dr. Diane Adamson, Chief Medical Officer at Royal Stoke, expressed condolences to the Unwin family and acknowledged the lapses in care. The hospital has taken steps to enhance its care protocols and ensure a more responsive and safe environment for patients and their families.