A woman died at Harrogate District Hospital after she became disconnected from a ventilator.
Karen Smith, 44, died on October 25 last year. An inquest into the circumstances surrounding her death opened in Northallerton this week.
The inquest heard how Ms Smith became disconnected from her ventilator on October 24 and died the following day as a result of a suspected hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.
Jonathan Heath, senior coroner for North Yorkshire, adjourned the inquest for a full hearing at a later date yet to be confirmed.
Dr Jacqueline Andrews, executive medical director at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:
Harrogate hospital covid patient finally feels the sun“We wish to offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Karen Smith.
“Until the inquest has concluded we are unable to comment further.”
This is the moment when a coronavirus patient at Harrogate District Hospital was finally able to enjoy the sun after nearly four months in intensive care.
After much planning and collaboration, the intensive care unit team took the patient to the hospital’s friends’ garden.
The patient, who asked to remain anonymous, was admitted with coronavirus early in January.
Although she still needed the aid of oxygen tanks for last week’s first trip outside, the fresh air boosted her recovery.
Dr Sarah Marsh, who is a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care, said:
“Thankfully they are now at a stage where we are able to safely take them out of the intensive care environment.
“The patient very much enjoyed the visit to the garden to feel the sun on their face, hear the birds, smell the flowers and to look at the sky.
“It also really gave the patient a huge boost and new determination to strive for home.
“She still has a long road ahead in terms of recovery and rehabilitation, but acts like this make such a positive difference in terms of outlook.”
Read more:
- More than 95,000 receive first covid vaccine in Harrogate district
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The NHS has well-established rehabilitation methods but coronavirus has forced doctors and nurses to rethink their methods.
Harrogate District Hospital has said starting rehabilitation early and trips out to the garden are both part of its arsenal for treating coronavirus.
Vera Davison, physiotherapy team leader, said:
“Being able to take this lady outside has been wonderful. It is helping to motivate her and her family too; they can see progress being made.
“Rehabilitation is hard work and slow progress, so any positive steps towards normality are welcomed.
“It’s really heartening to see people getting better while in hospital and also after they’ve gone home. This really helps us to appreciate that our efforts are really worth it.”