'Correct' care before woman died

Emma Gough died at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital

A Jehovah's Witness who died after she gave birth and refused to accept a blood transfusion received appropriate care in hospital, a coroner has ruled.

Emma Gough, 22, of Telford, Shropshire, had twins at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in October, but then suffered a blood clot.

She would not take blood due to her religious beliefs, the inquest at Shrewsbury Magistrates' Court heard.

The coroner said "in all probability" a transfusion would have saved Mrs Gough.

Coroner John Ellery recorded a narrative verdict.

'Tragic and unusual'

She was admitted to the hospital with a ruptured membrane.

Shortly afterwards she developed haematoma and the inquest heard the loss of blood had been considerable.

Mrs Gough told a midwife she was happy to die rather than undergo a transfusion after suffering internal bleeding following the birth, the inquest heard.

Midwife Kelly Roberts said: "Emma stated that she was happy with whatever happened to her - even if she died - because she had had her babies."

Mrs Gough was also asked twice by a hospital registrar if she would consent to a transfusion in a "life or death" situation, the hearing was told.

'Difficult circumstances'

Speaking after the verdict, a spokesman for the NHS Trust which runs the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, said: "These were tragic and unusual circumstances.

"Our deepest sympathies are with Emma's family.

"These were also distressing times for staff and this verdict is an important opportunity to acknowledge that they provided appropriate care and treatment at all times in difficult circumstances."

Mrs Gough's family, including her husband Anthony, left the court without comment.

The coroner had said: "I do not consider a one-word verdict will do justice to the circumstances of Mrs Gough's death."

A narrative verdict records the circumstances surrounding a death.