An inquest has raised significant concerns regarding the medical care received by former Arsenal and Everton football star Kevin Campbell, who passed away at the age of 54 following complications from a heart infection. Campbell died on June 15, 2024, at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI), where he had been admitted a month earlier. The circumstances surrounding his care have prompted a Level 5 patient safety investigation by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, the highest level of severity in such matters.
During the inquest, held on Thursday, Zak Golombek, the area coroner for Manchester, disclosed that the health trust managing the hospital had flagged multiple issues related to the care Campbell received during his final hospital admission. These concerns primarily focus on potential delays in both his diagnosis and the subsequent decision-making processes regarding the institution of palliative care. Golombek provided details of Campbell’s medical history leading up to his death, noting that the former footballer had been reportedly “fit and well” until around January 2024.
However, he experienced a series of health issues that led to multiple hospital admissions before his final stay at Manchester Royal Infirmary on May 15, 2024. “The provisional cause of death has been determined as multi-organ failure due to a heart infection,” Golombek stated during the inquest. He further emphasized the gravity of the situation by revealing that the NHS Foundation Trust had initiated a Level 5 patient safety incident investigation, indicating the most serious category of concern within the healthcare system.
The coroner outlined the next steps in the investigation, including the need for additional evidence. This will involve obtaining the hospital’s internal investigation report, as well as witness statements from all relevant clinicians involved in Campbell’s care. A statement from Campbell’s next of kin will also be sought to provide a comprehensive history and to address any concerns the family may have had regarding the treatment he received. No members of Campbell’s family were present at the inquest, but their perspectives are expected to play a crucial role as the investigation progresses.
The findings of this inquest will not only shed light on the circumstances leading to Campbell’s untimely death but could also have broader implications for patient care practices at the hospital. Campbell, who enjoyed a distinguished career in football, particularly with Arsenal and Everton, is remembered fondly by fans and teammates alike. His death has cast a spotlight on the critical importance of timely and effective medical care, especially in cases involving severe and life-threatening conditions. The inquest will continue to examine the factors that contributed to his passing, with the aim of ensuring accountability and preventing similar incidents in the future.
News from tbc15.com
