A musician passed away due to a severe brain injury following a fall in a hospital after enduring a 30-hour wait in the A&E department, according to details revealed in an inquest. Luke Raggatt’s partner had requested a brain scan at NHS Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske after his fall last October, but medical staff deemed it unnecessary. An emergency department consultant highlighted the missed opportunity of not providing seizure prevention medication and criticized the prolonged 30-hour stay in the busy emergency department due to severe overcrowding.
Luke, aged 40 and from Redruth, Cornwall, struggled with social anxiety, agoraphobia, depression, and alcohol-related issues. His mother described him as a guitar teacher who battled mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts and attempts. Luke had a routine of consuming cannabis and cider to aid his sleep, and had a history of hospital admissions, including a previous suicide attempt in March 2021.
Despite his medical history, Luke’s alcohol dependency was not flagged during his hospital admission, leading to missed opportunities in his care. He suffered a seizure following a fall in the hospital and later succumbed to a brain hemorrhage. The inquest revealed lapses in monitoring and treatment, with concerns raised about the adequacy of care provided to Luke during his stay.
The inquest also heard testimonies from medical professionals regarding the circumstances surrounding Luke’s tragic death. The hospital’s handling of his case, including the delays in treatment and missed opportunities for intervention, will be further examined as the inquest proceeds.
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