The daughters of an 89-year-old woman who died after undergoing surgery at King George Hospital have been issued an apology by the trust which runs it.
It comes almost five years after Elsie Brooks died following abdominal surgery at the Goodmayes hospital.
Speaking at the inquest yesterday, deputy nurse Heidi Peakman, on behalf of Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust (BHRUT), said: “We extend our apologies to the family in relation to any aspects of her care that fell below the standards of the Trust.
“We hope to assure you somewhat that we have taken a number of steps to stop this happening again in the future.”
Walthamstow Coroner’s Court heard that King George Hospital was “between divisional directors of nursing” when Mrs Brooks, from Barking, died on January 6, 2010.
In addition, the most experienced member of staff working on the ward where she was placed following surgery was only of band five level.
The coroner adjourned the inquest yesterday afternoon and will deliver a narrative verdict on Tuesday.
Pick up a copy of next week’s Recorder for a full report, including a family tribute.
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