Inquiry into flu diagnosis claim

Mrs Rowe died from Legionnaire's disease

A police officer who claims his wife was misdiagnosed with swine flu has lodged a formal complaint against an ambulance service after she died.

Carol Rowe, 46, of Thatcham, died from Legionnaire's disease at the Royal Berkshire Hospital earlier this month.

Det Insp Kevin Rowe said South Central Ambulance Service visited his wife twice and refused take her to hospital.

The service has denied diagnosing Mrs Rowe with swine flu but is reviewing the treatment she received.

Intensive care

Part of the investigation will involve determining which health agency diagnosed her with swine flu, it said.

Mrs Rowe was admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit on 29 July and died four days later.

Her husband, who is an officer with Thames Valley Police, claimed an ambulance was first called out on 27 July.

She (Mrs Rowe) received treatment for Legionella but sadly died on 2 August 2009 Joe Wise Royal Berkshire Hospital

The ambulance service returned two days later but again Mrs Rowe was not taken to hospital.

Later that day, when Mrs Rowe's condition deteriorated, a GP visited the house and suggested the ambulance service should take her to hospital.

Joe Wise, a Royal Berkshire Hospital spokesman, said: "A 46-year-old woman was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Berkshire Hospital on 29 July.

"She received treatment for Legionella but sadly died on 2 August 2009."

Internal investigation

The Health Protection Agency is investigating where Mrs Rowe contracted the disease.

Ngozi Fakeye, a spokeswoman for South Central Ambulance Service, said: "We cannot comment on a patient's clinical condition but would like to state that the ambulance service did not diagnose this patient with swine flu.

"We are working with all relevant agencies to investigate the treatment offered to this patient."

An inquest which was opened into Mrs Rowe's death heard she had died from an infection due to Legionella pneumonia. The inquest was adjourned to a later date.