Woman dies 'after hospital wait'

Mr Norris says his wife waited 34 hours for treatment

A health trust is investigating claims a 34-hour wait for treatment contributed to the death of a pregnant woman.

Tina Norris, 29, from the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, died from a stroke three days after being sent home from hospital where blood clots had been found in her leg, it is alleged.

Her husband Len claims she was told she would be admitted to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, Kent, but instead was sent home with blood-thinning medication.

He has lodged a formal complaint.

Blood clots

Mr Norris said: "Had Darent Valley done what three independent doctors said, I'm 100% convinced, she would still be here."

He says his wife suffered twinges in her leg on 12 July and became worried because she had a history of pulmonary embolisms.

Two blood clots were identified by ultra sound at the hospital and later a doctor said Mrs Norris would be admitted, claimed Mr Norris.

Finally, he says, 34 hours after arriving, Mrs Norris was told she could go home as long as she injected herself with medication.

Two days later his wife collapsed.

Investigation started

She was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham, Kent, but died the next day.

A Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust spokesman said: "The trust again offers its sincere condolences to Mr Norris and his family.

"The trust takes this matter very seriously.

"A full investigation is already under way and is being led by the trust's medical director.

"Once this has concluded, and all the facts have been established, we will of course be passing this information to Mr Norris directly."