Calls for change at private hospitals after 'preventable' death of Rotherham mum
Maxine Spittlehouse died in July last year - after treatment at Rotherham's Kinvara Private Hospital
The family of a Rotherham woman has called for tighter standards at non-NHS hospitals, after her 'preventable' death following surgery last year.
On Friday (April 2) a Coroner in Doncaster concluded that the death of 48 year old Maxine Spittlehouse on July 22 last year many not have happened, had treatment at the Kinvara Private Hospital been of a better standard.
Maxine underwent a hysterectomy at Kinvara on July 16 2024 after her care was outsourced by the NHS to the private sector.
In the early hours of July 17 she suffered a cardiac arrest and intra-abdominal haemorrhage and was placed on life support following a transfer to Rotherham General Hospital.
She was taken off life support on July 22, after her condition continued to deteriorate.
Doncaster Coroners' Court heard there were multiple missed opportunities at Kinvara to spot Maxine's worsening condition.
The private hospital lacked the necessary equipment needed to deal with Maxine's condition, meaning she needed to be transferred to NHS care.
Medics could not initially find a blood pressure monitor for Maxine and there was no blood ready for transfusions stored on site.
The Coroner stated that “a high threshold of neglect has been found” which contributed to the 48 year old's death.
In a statement read after the inquest conclusion David, Maxine’s husband, said: “The Inquest Finding of Neglect contributing to Maxine’s death goes some way to getting justice for her."
"Myself, Millie and the rest of the family would like to thank the Coroner and out legal team from Medical Solicitors in helping us understand what went so horribly wrong with Maxine’s care at Kinvara Private Hospital.
What is very clear, is that Maxine’s death was avoidable. All of the symptoms available to the Junior Docter and Surgeon to diagnose internal bleeding were there to be see and acted on.
"Not only was Maxine failed by those responsible for her care, Kinvara Hospital lacked important equipment to help diagnose and treat her internal bleeding. Instead, she could only receive this emergency care at Rotherham Hospital.”
"There is no requirement for the private hospitals to have specialised consultants on the ground overnight, or CT scans, or blood testing facilities, or blood for transfusion, which is why we are calling for total abdominal hysterectomies to only be carried out at fully staffed and properly equipped hospitals."
Millie, Maxine’s daughter, said: “Mum lived life to the fullest. She could make friends with anyone, and lit up every room with her kindness positivity and humour. We loved her so very much, and our lives will not be the same without her.”
We've approached the Kinvara Private Hospital for a response to this story.