The inquiry into the passing of Hayley Dowell, a British woman who died following cosmetic surgery in Turkey, has been delayed due to an urgent legal advisory. Coroner Nicholas Walker postponed the inquiry on November 24th upon receiving correspondence from a Turkish attorney regarding potential implications on ongoing criminal and civil cases related to Mrs. Dowell’s demise.
Speaking to her family at Winchester Crown Court, Mr. Walker noted, “I am mindful that you would not want any investigations in Turkey to be influenced by my actions here.” The court was informed that the Turkish health ministry is currently investigating the incident, and Mrs. Dowell’s husband, Neil, has initiated legal proceedings against BHT Clinic in Istanbul.
The coroner also voiced apprehensions about individuals opting for cosmetic procedures abroad, stating, “I am worried about individuals in our country deciding on procedures in other nations and how well-informed they are about these processes.” He emphasized the importance of individuals being fully aware when choosing to undergo surgeries overseas.
Mrs. Dowell, a 38-year-old resident of Eastleigh, Hampshire, traveled to Turkey last year for surgery on October 2 and tragically passed away around midnight on October 3rd. A preliminary examination revealed that she suffered from an embolism. She underwent a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), tummy tuck, and liposuction at a private clinic, incurring a total cost exceeding £7,000.
In a previous hearing, Mrs. Dowell’s mother, Ann, expressed that her daughter may not have been aware of the risks associated with one of the operations as she did not consent to all three. Neil Dowell mentioned that his wife had consented to two out of the three procedures, without specifying the one she had not agreed to.
A new date for the inquiry will be scheduled once additional information regarding the legal proceedings in Turkey is obtained.