Skip to main content
BBC NEWS / SHROPSHIRE
Graphics VersionBBC Sport Home
News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
UK Contents:  England | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales | UK Politics | Education | Magazine

17:25 GMT, Tuesday, 8 April 2008 18:25 UK

'Correct' care before woman died

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.




E-mail this to a friend
Related to this story:
Young mother was 'happy' to die (08 Apr 08 |  Shropshire )
Woman died after blood 'refusal' (07 Apr 08 |  Shropshire )
Jehovah's Witness pregnancy talk (09 Nov 07 |  Shropshire )
Refusing blood 'source of regret' (06 Nov 07 |  Sussex )
The right to die for Jehovah (05 Nov 07 |  Health )
Mother dies after refusing blood (05 Nov 07 |  Shropshire )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
Watchtower - the official website of the Jehovah's Witnesses
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



SEARCH BBC NEWS: 

News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
UK Contents:  England | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales | UK Politics | Education | Magazine

NewsWatch | Notes | Contact us | About BBC News | Profiles | History

^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©