Better training at Luton and Dunstable Hospital ‘could have saved Claire’

In October a coroner’s inquest heard that Claire Allnutt (pictured above) , 28, of Sanfoin Road, died at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital after a severe breakdown in communication between microbiologists and doctors.

After recovering from necrotizing fascitis (also known as the flesh eating disease), Claire was being readied for discharge in January 2014 before septicemia claimed her life.

It was heard that the sepsis had been caused by a catheter tube, which was recommended for removal five days before her death.

During the inquest senior coroner Tom Osborne said: “There was also a failure in the system of maintaining, observation and documentation of her deteriorating condition.”

Claire’s parents Richard and Ann have now complained to the General Medical Council, while a civil claim is also being prepared.

Law firm AshtonKCJ, representing the Allnutts, claims that at the time of Claire’s death L&D staff had only been given 20 minutes of training on an electronic reporting system which showed that her condition was deteriorating.

Lawyer Carole Watts said: “On the face of it this seems to be a very short period of training, especially as the electronic warning system deals with life and death situations.”

A hospital spokesman said: “The L&D has given an unreserved apology to Claire Allnutt’s family following her tragic death last January.

“All staff groups involved in Claire’s case have reflected and learned from the events that occurred prior to Claire’s death, and this has resulted in a number of changes to practice, which are being constantly monitored and evaluated.”