Medical negligence contributed to 73-year-old woman’s death

“It’s a very significant finding” Kashmir Uppal says as coroner finds negligent medical treatment contributed to 73-year-old woman’s death

Sue Howell was admitted to hospital on 11^th April 2025 after having a fall at home and breaking her arms. She was seen at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton and then sent home later that same evening.

The following day, Sue collapsed at home and was again taken to New Cross Hospital for further assessment.

A number of tests were carried out. However, the result of one test, which identified a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot on the lungs), was not acted upon at the time, and Sue was discharged.

Tragically, Sue later died from a pulmonary embolism.

This week, her family have been attending the inquest into Sue’s death, which was held to establish the circumstances surrounding her passing and provide clarity for the family.

The coroner gave a narrative conclusion and stated that the 73-year-old’s death was contributed to by neglect in the medical treatment she received at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

Partner, Kashmir Uppal, who is supporting the family through a civil investigation, said: “The inquest is not there to blame people – it’s about finding out what happened. But to have a finding of neglect from the coroner, in terms of basic failings in care, that’s a very significant finding.”

She continued: “This has been an incredibly difficult and distressing time for Sue’s family.

“While the conclusion provides some clarity about the circumstances surrounding her death, it does not lessen the profound loss they continue to feel.

Sue was a much-loved mother and grandmother, and the beating heart of her family. They hope that by raising awareness of what happened, lessons can be learned to help prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy.”