Katherine Ashton’s Diabetic Coma Sparks Calls for Hospital Accountability
Table of Contents
- Katherine Ashton’s Diabetic Coma Sparks Calls for Hospital Accountability
- The Importance of Awareness and Accountability
- Key Points at a Glance
- Moving Forward
- expert Q&A: Insights on Patient Care and Diabetes management
- What are the key lessons hospitals can learn from cases like Mrs. Ashton’s?
- How can healthcare providers better manage diabetes in hospital settings?
- What role does patient feedback play in improving hospital care?
- What steps can hospitals take to address complaints more effectively?
- Conclusion
Katherine Ashton, a woman living with a rare genetic form of diabetes known as MODY 3, is demanding accountability from South Tees Hospitals NHS foundation Trust after she fell into a diabetic coma following cancer surgery. The incident occurred at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where Ashton had undergone a major operation.
Ashton, who has been vocal about her condition, claims she repeatedly informed hospital staff about her diabetes “every step of the way” before the procedure. Despite her efforts, she experienced a life-threatening complication that left her in a coma.
“I flagged my condition every step of the way,” Ashton saeid, emphasizing the importance of proper medical attention for patients with complex health needs.
MODY 3,or maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young,is a genetic form of diabetes that requires specialized care.Unlike more common types of diabetes, MODY 3 is often misdiagnosed or overlooked, making it crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of its unique management requirements.
The South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has acknowledged the incident, stating that it is likely Ashton’s condition was not adequately managed during her hospital stay. Though, Ashton is calling for more than just an acknowledgment.
“The trust must show accountability for what happened,” she said, highlighting the need for systemic changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Importance of Awareness and Accountability
Ashton’s case underscores the challenges faced by patients with rare conditions in the healthcare system. MODY 3, which affects approximately 1-2% of people with diabetes, often goes undiagnosed or mismanaged due to its rarity.
Experts stress the importance of patient advocacy and healthcare provider education to ensure that individuals with MODY 3 receive the care they need. Ashton’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when these measures fall short.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| patient | Katherine Ashton |
| Condition | MODY 3 (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young) |
| Hospital | James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough |
| Incident | Diabetic coma following cancer surgery |
| Trust Response | acknowledged likely mismanagement of condition |
| Patient’s Demand | accountability and systemic changes |
Moving Forward
Ashton’s story has sparked a broader conversation about the need for improved care for patients with rare conditions. She hopes her experience will lead to better training for healthcare professionals and more robust systems to ensure patient safety.For those living with MODY 3 or other rare forms of diabetes, Ashton’s case is a call to action. It highlights the importance of self-advocacy and the need for healthcare providers to listen carefully to their patients.
As the South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust reviews its procedures, Ashton remains resolute to ensure that no one else has to endure what she went through.
“This isn’t just about me,” she said.“It’s about making sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
For more data on MODY 3 and its management, visit the Diabetes UK website.
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This article is based on reporting by Joanna Morris of BBC North East and Cumbria.Hospital Trust Faces Scrutiny After patient’s Post-Operative Coma Linked to Medication Error
In a harrowing case that has raised serious questions about patient care, Mrs. Ashton, a patient with the genetic MODY3 form of diabetes, fell into a coma following surgery in October 2022.The incident has been linked to the post-operative administration of Empagliflozin, a medication known to carry the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication of diabetes.
Mrs. ashton recounted feeling abandoned during her hospital stay, stating, “Nobody was paying attention to my condition or concerns.” In the days after her operation,she experienced severe vomiting and was unable to keep her prescription medication down. She claimed that sick bowls were frequently enough left out of reach and that some of her calls for help went unanswered. Despite repeated requests for alternatives to oral medication,her concerns were ignored,and signs of DKA were missed until her condition had significantly deteriorated.
Her husband, Colin Ashton, described finding her “barely conscious” during a visit on 8 October. When he raised concerns with nursing staff, he was told she was simply sleeping. the hospital trust later confirmed that DKA was diagnosed that same day after the nursing team noticed a decline in her condition. While “all appropriate actions” were taken to manage the DKA, a follow-up visit from a diabetic specialist nurse was delayed by three days due to the weekend.
Mrs. Ashton’s experience has left her with lasting physical and emotional scars.She now requires insulin and has been diagnosed with PTSD. “When you go into hospital, you are handing yourself over to who you believe and hope are caring professionals,” she said. “I was left with an overriding sense of abandonment and I continue to struggle with PTSD as an inevitable result of that.”
The hospital trust acknowledged that the DKA was likely caused by “poor oral intake” and the administration of Empagliflozin, which is associated with an increased risk of the condition. In response, the trust has pledged to deliver “bespoke training” to surgical staff on diabetes management.
Though, Mrs. Ashton criticized the medical and nursing staff for being “dismissive” of her concerns, inconsistent in their record-keeping, and failing to provide adequate catering for diabetics. The delays and shortcomings in handling her complaint were reported to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, and the trust recently concluded its investigation, sharing its findings with Mrs. Ashton last week.
This case highlights the critical need for improved patient care and better management of diabetes in hospital settings.As Mrs. Ashton’s story unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities patients face and the importance of timely, attentive medical care.
| Key Points | Details |
|————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Patient Condition | MODY3 diabetes,post-operative coma linked to DKA |
| Medication Involved | Empagliflozin,known to increase DKA risk |
| Hospital Response | Bespoke training for surgical staff on diabetes management |
| Patient Outcome | Now requires insulin,diagnosed with PTSD |
| Complaint Handling | Reported to parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman |
This incident underscores the need for systemic changes to ensure patient safety and trust in healthcare systems. For more information on diabetes management and patient rights, visit diabetes care resources.Hospital Apologizes for Patient’s Distressing Experience Amid Calls for Greater Awareness
In a recent progress, a hospital has issued a formal apology after a patient, Mrs. Ashton, expressed dissatisfaction with her care. The correspondence,seen by the BBC,revealed that Stacey Hunter,the group chief executive officer,and Dr. Diane Monkhouse, the site medical director, expressed their regret over the incident. They stated, “We are very sorry that Mrs. Ashton’s experience had caused her distress.”
The hospital outlined a series of actions to address the concerns raised. feedback from Mrs. Ashton’s experience will be shared with staff during a directorate meeting, focusing on the lack of information provided to her and her family. Additionally, the hospital will address her perception of staff being “dismissive” and conduct an audit of discharge letters to ensure better communication in the future.
Mrs. Ashton, though, remains unsatisfied with the outcome. She has called for a personal apology from the trust’s CEO,emphasizing the need for greater awareness and education regarding diabetes. “This was a diabetic problem,but I was in hospital for a cancer problem,so the focus was on the general surgery,not diabetes,” she explained. “It’s about education and awareness, because diabetes has such a essential impact on your total system.”
The incident highlights the challenges patients face when managing multiple health conditions simultaneously. Mrs. Ashton’s case underscores the importance of holistic care and the need for healthcare providers to address all aspects of a patient’s health, not just the primary diagnosis.
Key Actions Taken by the hospital
| Action | Details |
|————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Staff Feedback | Shared with staff during a directorate meeting |
| addressing Dismissive Behavior | Feedback on staff behavior to be reviewed and addressed |
| Audit of Discharge letters | Conducted to improve communication with patients and families |
This case serves as a reminder of the critical role patient feedback plays in improving healthcare services. As hospitals strive to enhance patient care, incidents like these underscore the need for continuous education and awareness among healthcare professionals.
for more insights into the evolving landscape of patient care and healthcare leadership, explore the profiles of Stacey Hunter and Dr. Diane Monkhouse, who are at the forefront of addressing these challenges.
expert Q&A: Insights on Patient Care and Diabetes management
What are the key lessons hospitals can learn from cases like Mrs. Ashton’s?
Cases like Mrs. Ashton’s highlight the importance of holistic patient care. Hospitals need to ensure that all aspects of a patient’s health, including diabetes management, are addressed, especially when dealing with multiple health conditions. Effective dialog, staff training, and thorough record-keeping are essential to prevent incidents like these.
How can healthcare providers better manage diabetes in hospital settings?
Healthcare providers should implement bespoke training programs focused on diabetes management, notably for surgical and general staff. Regular audits of discharge letters and patient feedback can help improve communication. Additionally, hospitals should ensure that catering services meet the dietary needs of diabetics and that medications like Empagliflozin are administered with caution, given their association with DKA.
What role does patient feedback play in improving hospital care?
Patient feedback is crucial for identifying gaps in care and driving improvements. In Mrs. Ashton’s case, her concerns about dismissive behavior and inadequate data highlighted areas for change. Hospitals should actively seek and act on feedback, sharing insights with staff to foster a culture of continuous betterment.This approach can definitely help build trust and ensure that patient experiences are at the center of care delivery.
What steps can hospitals take to address complaints more effectively?
Hospitals should establish clear protocols for handling complaints, ensuring timely and transparent responses. Involving senior leadership, such as the group chief executive officer and site medical director, can demonstrate a commitment to addressing concerns. Conducting audits, like those of discharge letters, and providing specific training based on feedback can also help prevent similar issues in the future.
Conclusion
Mrs. Ashton’s case underscores the need for systemic changes in healthcare to prioritize patient safety and satisfaction. By focusing on comprehensive diabetes management, effective communication, and proactive complaint handling, hospitals can enhance care quality and build stronger patient trust.Continuous education and awareness among healthcare professionals are key to achieving these goals.