Man died following hospital wait

A narrative verdict was delivered on Mr Brooks' death

A patient with a leg blood clot died after he was left in a hospital for about four hours before seeing a doctor, an inquest heard.

The jury decided Gerald Brooks probably would have lived if he had been given treatment faster at Bath's Royal United Hospital (RUH).

Mr Brooks, of Radstock, broke his ankle two years ago. He was treated at the RUH but developed deep vein thrombosis.

The RUH said the wait for treatment was regrettable and blamed staff shortages.

'Delay acknowledged'

David Watson, a consultant at the RUH, said the hospital wanted to extend its condolences to Mrs Brooks and her family for her husband's death.

"The jury concluded as we have already acknowledged there was a delay in administering Heparin to Mr Brooks," he said.

The jury at Kings Weston House delivered a narrative verdict.

It said: "The failure to follow routine procedures, taking into account his history provided at the time of admission and delays in providing treatment constituted neglect which contributed significantly to the death of Mr Brooks.

"On the balance of probability if treatment had been administered earlier Mr Brooks would have survived."

It is understood Mr Brooks' family are now considering legal action.

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'Neglect' over man's death