An ambulance service has acknowledged missed opportunities to save a mother who passed away from a brain blood clot, initially mistaken for an ear infection. Natasha Hewitt, 35, succumbed three days after NHS call handlers failed to promptly refer her for critical treatment.
Natasha, a mother of one, contacted the NHS 111 helpline seeking advice when experiencing migraine-like symptoms. Previously treated for a suspected ear infection, she expressed an inability to alleviate a sudden, severe headache resembling a heavy blow.
Despite also suffering from dizziness and difficulty standing, Natasha was not directed to the hospital during the call. Instead, she was advised to consult her GP, who prescribed additional medication. Approximately 24 hours later, her husband, Nick, dialed 999, leading to Natasha’s hospital admission and diagnosis of a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis – a significant brain blood clot.
Tragically, Natasha passed away two days later, leaving behind her husband, Nick, and their 16-month-old son, Harry, just before Christmas 2022. Yorkshire Ambulance Service, operator of the 111 helpline, has admitted a failure in Natasha’s care.
Acknowledging that prompt diagnosis and treatment could have potentially saved Natasha’s life, the service concurred with the assessment. An inquest also highlighted a missed opportunity for earlier hospital referral, with neglect contributing to her tragic demise.
Nick expressed profound grief over losing his beloved wife, emphasizing her warmth, humor, and intelligence. Witnessing her deteriorating health left him feeling powerless, ultimately leading to the heartbreaking loss. Despite the medical efforts made, Natasha’s passing shattered their shared dreams and future plans.
Natasha, pursuing a business management with accounting degree, reported back pain on December 8, 2022, progressing to severe headaches for which she began taking strong painkillers. A family day out for Christmas shopping culminated in a medical center visit where antibiotics and painkillers were prescribed.
As her condition worsened, Nick’s call for an ambulance on December 16 eventually led to brain surgery, but Natasha tragically passed away on December 18, 2022. Their journey to parenthood was marked by struggles, including numerous miscarriages and fertility treatments before the arrival of Harry.
Natasha’s medical history included a placental blood clot during pregnancy, resulting in Harry born prematurely. Further complications, including a lung blood clot, added to their challenges. Their lawyer highlighted the gravity of Natasha’s avoidable death and the emotional toll on the family.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, a condition involving blood clots near the brain, can result from infections or develop spontaneously. Symptoms, such as severe headaches and eye-related issues, signal the need for urgent medical attention.
The chief executive of Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust extended condolences to Natasha’s family, emphasizing the service’s commitment to improving care standards. Measures have been taken to enhance service quality following a comprehensive investigation into the incident.