Suzanne Eccles

I am Chris Morris, Area Coroner for Greater Manchester (South).

On 10 th April 2024, Alison Mutch, Senior Coroner for Greater Manchester (South), opened an inquest into the death of Suzanne Rose Eccles who died on 3 rd March 2024 at Tameside General Hospital,  Ashton-under-Lyne, aged 72 years. The investigation concluded with an inquest which I heard on 13 th September 2024. The inquest determined that Mrs Eccles died as a consequence of:- 1) a) Pneumonia and Empyema; b) Lung Cancer (operated 16 th February 2024) II Ischaemic Heart Disease The conclusion of the inquest was a Narrative Conclusion, to the effect that Mrs Eccles died as a  consequence of complications arising from necessary surgery which had not been identified in the  course of previous hospital attendances.

Mrs Eccles died on 3 rd March 2024 at Tameside General Hospital having developed Pneumonia and  Empyema against a background of recent surgery for lung cancer. Her death was contributed to by  Ischaemic Heart Disease. In the days leading up to her death, Mrs Eccles had been seen in the Same Day Emergency Care Unit and Emergency Department, and also been a patient on the Virtual Ward.

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my  statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. – Whilst the court heard evidence as to significant work which has been undertaken following the  Trust’s detailed investigation into the circumstances leading to Mrs Eccles’s death, it is a matter of concern that no system currently operates whereby clinicians working in the Emergency Department can easily access records made by colleagues working on the Virtual Ward.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and your organisation have the power to take such action.