'It was as if nobody cared' say family of grandad 'left to die' at Royal Stoke

THE grieving family of a grandad 'left to die' in his hospital bed have spoken about their traumatic loss.

- Sentinel Reporter

Phillip Unwin died at the Royal Stoke University Hospital on April 3, 2024. The 68-year-old, of Fulford, had been taken there the day before after complaining of fever, shortness of breath, and chest pains.

But doctors were unable to identify the cause in time - leading to his death just 24 hours later.

An inquest ruled Mr Unwin died of natural causes. But coroner Daniel Howe also referred to 'missed opportunities to escalate care in a timely manner' and warned more patients could die if action is not taken. He demanded 'action' to prevent future avoidable deaths.

Mr Unwin's daughter Lynsey Gould says the family was 'broken' by the tragedy. The 44-year-old said: "My dad was getting on a bit but he was generally a well man. He still played sports with his grandson and lived an active lifestyle. He had asthma but it was under control.

"His chest was hurting, so he took some emergency antibiotics and steroids he had in the house. But they weren't making him feel any better. My mum called 101 and they sent an ambulance because they suspected he'd had a heart attack. When he arrived at the hospital that was quickly ruled out.

"He was admitted onto the resuscitation ward. My mum stayed with him throughout the night.

She noticed his condition was deteriorating. The doctors said they thought it was a urine infection. But they said they'd take him to the critical care ward so he could have some strong antibiotics. But this didn't happen."