Man died after 'hernia op delay'

A man suffering from a simple hernia died because the operation was not carried out in time, an inquest heard.

Ian Reilly, 37, had been admitted to Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry as an emergency case on four occasions but was only treated for constipation and a chest infection.

The inquest jury heard on Thursday that Mr Reilly was diagnosed with a suspected hernia by his GP in January last year.

But the jury was told that a consultant at the Walsgrave Hospital, Nigel Williams, was unable to diagnose it without a test.

When Mr Reilly was later admitted as an emergency three junior doctors realised that there was a hernia but had felt unable to overrule their boss.

Mr Williams told the inquest that this had been a lost opportunity to treat the patient.

Mr Reilly was treated twice for constipation and recovered but in September he was admitted to hospital again and his condition deteriorated.

Doctors had requested a transfer to an intensive care bed at another hospital but West Midlands Ambulance Service could not find a vehicle to transport him for four hours.

The hearing heard Mr Reilly was eventually operated on in Coventry but died of multiple organ failure.

The inquest was adjourned until Friday.