A HOSPITAL trust has apologised to the family of a great-grandmother who died from Type 2 diabetes after basic checks were not carried out.
Patricia Chapman was admitted to Sedgefield Community Hospital in Sedgefield, County Durham, in July 2013 after suffering a broken hip in a fall.
While in hospital Mrs Chapman’s blood sugar dropped so low she lost consciousness and despite receiving an emergency injection she fell into a coma again overnight and died.
At an inquest in Crook, County Durham, Coroner Andrew Tweddle ruled the 77-year-old had died from an “avoidable hypoglycaemic episode” and said the hospital had failed to provide adequate training.
He said the nurse in charge had not ensured regular blood sugar checks were carried out and had failed to ensure Mrs Chapman’s safety through the night.
It is believed her family, from Peterlee, is taking legal action against the hospital.
County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust expressed “sincere apologies” to Mrs Chapman’s family.
A spokesman said: “Lessons have been learned as a consequence of her death and substantial changes have been and continue to be made to the delivery of care across all community hospitals to safeguard against further incidents.”
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin, which causes the blood sugar level to become too high.
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