Woman who had Turkey weight loss surgery dies after two-day wait in packed A&E

A tragic incident has unfolded as a woman passed away due to a blood clot after undergoing weight loss surgery in Turkey. Erin Dennis, aged 26, tragically collapsed at her home shortly after spending an alarming 43 hours and 38 minutes in the crowded emergency department of Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) in Dublin.

The Dublin District Coroner’s Court revealed that Erin Dennis was admitted to TUH after complaining of symptoms such as dizziness, impaired vision, and eye issues, which led to her admission on January 23, 2022. Despite the fact that patients are supposed to be reviewed within 15 minutes of arrival, Erin wasn’t seen by medical staff until four hours and 29 minutes after reaching the hospital. Shockingly, it took over 11 hours for a doctor to examine her conditions and another six and a half hours for the results of a CT scan to be available.

Following the scan results showing kidney stones, Erin opted for conservative treatment and left TUH on March 2, 2022, only to tragically collapse outside her house at 5pm and was pronounced dead at the hospital at 7.03pm. Medical records further revealed that Erin had been experiencing severe vomiting in the weeks leading up to her hospital visit, resulting in a diagnosis of Wernicke encephalopathy, a brain condition linked to vitamin B1 deficiency.

The inquest also disclosed that despite the surgery in Turkey, there was no record of Erin receiving anti-blood clotting medication, which is essential post-surgery. The coroner, Clare Keane, issued a narrative verdict stating that Erin’s death was caused by a pulmonary embolism resulting from a deep vein thrombosis in her left leg.

The heartbreaking circumstances of Erin Dennis’s passing shed light on the importance of timely and thorough medical care to prevent such tragic outcomes. The inquest highlighted gaps in care that need addressing to ensure the safety and well-being of patients undergoing surgical procedures, emphasizing the critical need for appropriate post-operative monitoring and treatment.

Insights:

It’s crucial for healthcare facilities to adhere to triage protocols and ensure prompt evaluation and treatment of patients to prevent any delays in critical care. The case of Erin Dennis underscores the significance of thorough post-operative care, including monitoring for potential complications such as blood clots. Healthcare providers must implement measures to prevent such tragic incidents and prioritize patient safety in all medical procedures.

Summary:

The unfortunate passing of Erin Dennis following weight loss surgery in Turkey serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of diligent post-operative care and timely medical intervention. The inquest into her death highlights the critical need for healthcare systems to prioritize patient safety, address gaps in care, and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Erin’s story underscores the significance of comprehensive medical monitoring and intervention to safeguard the well-being of individuals undergoing surgical procedures.