James Paget admits failings in care of Gorleston woman, 85

Retired pub worker Marlene Webb, from Gorleston, was admitted to the James Paget University Hospital after suffering a fall while delivering Christmas cards.

She was admitted on December 14, 2021, but during her stay her weight was recorded as being 17kg heavier than she actually was - meaning she was prescribed a higher dose of medication than she required.

However, after being discharged two weeks later, her health began to deteriorate causing her to suffer further falls, confusion and hallucinations.

On January 18, 2022, she was again admitted to hospital following a fall and although her weight was correctly recorded her medicine dosage was not adjusted.

She died on January 29, 2022, from a gastrointestinal haemorrhage, which hospital investigations revealed may have been caused by the incorrect dosage.

The trust also admitted that opportunities to spot signs of the bleed may have been missed.

The Paget has since agreed an out-of-court settlement with her daughter, Deborah Beavers, after admitting to failings in her care.

FAMILY TRAUMA

Mrs Beavers said: "Throughout the time she was in hospital we as a family told ourselves she was in the right place - but this just wasn't the case.

"We can not put into words how much this tragedy has affected us all and find it difficult to deal with, especially being robbed of time in her last months."

Mrs Beavers said that during her mother's two stays in hospital, visiting was restricted by the Covid pandemic.

She said as a result the family struggled to keep up to date with her care, meaning the severity of her condition came as an added shock to them all.

Deborah Beavers, whose mum died at the James Paget University Hospital (Image: Archant)

She said: "We found it very difficult to find out how our mum was doing in hospital and were not kept informed.

"Had we been told what was happening and how upset our mum was we could have told the doctors there was something seriously wrong.

"We were not told mum was in her last hours and therefore we were not all by her side when she passed."

A WELL-KNOWN FACE

Ms Webb lived in Gorleston and was a well-known face around the borough, having previously worked behind the bar at Caldecott Hall golf club in Bradwell and Jesters Diner.

Mrs Beavers, who mounted a legal challenge against the trust via Tees Law, added: "She was the life and soul of the party, loved going to the pub and playing darts and was such a lively character.

"Her death certificate mentions frailty of old age, but she was active and mobile before she went to hospital."

HOSPITAL INVESTIGATION

Following her death, the hospital trust carried investigations which concluded that trust policy had not been followed, resulting in her missing out on care.

A James Paget spokesman said: "The trust wishes to offer its sincere condolences to the family of Ms Webb for their loss.

"It was established, after a thorough investigation by the trust, that there were failures to provide Ms Webb with the treatment she deserved and was entitled to expect.

"The trust reiterates its unreserved apologies for these failures and would like to provide reassurances that lessons have been learned."

However, Mrs Beavers said: "learning lessons just isn't good enough".

She said: "They failed to get the basics correct and their negligence contributed to the demise of our beloved mum.

"We want people to be made aware that mistakes are being made and if anyone feels something isn't quite right with their loved one's care they should shout from the rooftops for a second opinion.

"We would hate for another family to go through this trauma."