Why Haven't We Buried Dad Yet? Seeking Answers 18 Months After His Hospital Death

The tragic case of Bill Trotter, who died following a series of alleged medical errors, has left his children, Mike and Kelly Trotter, seeking answers for almost two years. They have decided to keep their father's body in a mortuary rather than have him buried until they receive clarity on the circumstances surrounding his death. The family believes that medical mistakes contributed significantly to their father's decline while under hospital care.

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Currently, the Trotter family is adamant about not moving their father's remains from Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) mortuary until they receive satisfactory answers regarding his death. Bill Trotter’s case has drawn attention to the potential failures within the healthcare system, particularly surrounding the treatment he received at Cumberland Infirmary. The family's frustration stems from their belief that negligence and mismanagement led to their father’s preventable death, and they are pushing for an inquest into the circumstances that led to his demise.

Key takeaways

Bill Trotter died on 28 July 2024 after alleged medical mistakes during his treatment.
His children, Mike and Kelly, have kept his body in a mortuary for almost two years seeking answers.
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust claims no failings contributed to Mr Trotter's death.
The family has requested an inquest, which has been denied by the coroner.
Potential legislative changes known as the Hillsborough Law could provide families with greater transparency in such cases.

Timeline: how we got here

Below is a brief timeline of the significant events surrounding Bill Trotter’s hospitalisation and subsequent death:

8 May 2024: Bill Trotter admitted to Cumberland Infirmary with a toe infection.
26 May 2024: Re-admitted and diagnosed with gangrene after initial treatment.
2 June 2024: Undergoes amputation below the right knee.
28 June 2024: Family informed of Fournier's gangrene diagnosis; Mr Trotter's condition declines.
28 July 2024: Bill Trotter passes away in hospital.
6 August 2024: Body transferred to RVI mortuary at the family's request.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The Trotter family remains firm in their stance of not releasing their father's body until they receive the answers they seek. They are advocating for an inquest into the circumstances of his death, highlighting a lack of accountability from health services.

What was already established

North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust has conducted an investigation into the treatment of Bill Trotter, concluding that there were no failings in care that contributed to his death. This has been met with distrust from the family, who believe critical errors were made.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

This case raises concerns for families navigating the healthcare system. It emphasises the importance of transparency and accountability within medical institutions, particularly regarding patient care and safety. Families may feel apprehensive about the quality of care provided, knowing that misdiagnoses can lead to devastating outcomes.

Businesses and jobs

Healthcare providers may face increased scrutiny as a result of this case. Trust in the NHS could be impacted, potentially leading to calls for improved training and protocols among medical staff to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This may involve changes in hiring practices and a renewed focus on compliance with medical standards.

Policy and regulation

Legislative changes, such as the proposed Hillsborough Law, may provide families like the Trotters with greater rights to obtain information regarding the care and treatment of their loved ones. This law aims to enhance transparency and ensure families receive the necessary information without the fear of retaliation from healthcare providers.

Numbers that matter

18 months: Duration Bill Trotter's body has remained in the mortuary.
2.3mmol/l: Reported blood sugar level at the time of Bill Trotter's diabetic coma.
1.2mmol/l: Actual blood sugar level that was incorrectly recorded.
16 days: Time Bill Trotter waited for a catheter after being noted to have a bladder issue.
1 litre: Amount of retained urine discovered when a catheter was finally fitted.

Definitions and jargon buster

Angioplasty: A medical procedure used to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels.
Fournier’s gangrene: A rare but serious bacterial infection that affects the genital area.
National Diabetes Inpatient Safety Audit (NDISA): A UK initiative aimed at improving the care and outcomes for diabetes patients in hospitals.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The Trotter family will likely continue to seek legal advice and possibly explore options for an inquest into their father's death. They may also engage with local MPs and health advocacy groups to raise awareness of their case.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As pressure mounts for accountability, there could be a push for policy changes within the NHS. The Trotter family's situation might inspire more families to come forward with similar concerns, leading to a potential increase in complaints and investigations into hospital practices.

Signals to watch

Outcomes from government discussions regarding the Hillsborough Law.
Any changes in policy by North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust in response to public concerns.
Updates on potential legal actions taken by the Trotter family or related advocacy groups.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep thorough records of all medical interactions and treatments.
Seek a second opinion if uncertain about a diagnosis.
Be proactive in discussing treatment options with healthcare providers.

Don’t

Assume all medical advice is correct without question.
Delay in seeking help if you feel something is wrong with your treatment.
Ignore symptoms or changes in health that concern you.

Checklist

Document all conversations with medical staff, including dates and times.
Ask for clarification on any medical terms or procedures you do not understand.
Follow up on test results and treatment plans.
Consider involving a patient advocate if you feel overwhelmed.
Stay informed about your rights as a patient within the healthcare system.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the Trotter family's concerns highlight significant issues in healthcare, it is essential to remain aware that not all medical complications are the result of negligence. The complexities of individual cases can vary widely, and while systemic failures may be present, each situation requires careful examination. The outcomes of investigations and potential inquests can also take time, and results may vary based on the evidence available.

Bottom line

The Trotter family’s determination to uncover the truth behind Bill Trotter's death underscores the crucial need for transparency and accountability in the healthcare system. As they navigate this challenging journey, their case may serve as a catalyst for broader discussions about patient rights and the quality of care provided in hospitals across the UK.

FAQs

What led to Bill Trotter's death?

Bill Trotter died after a series of alleged medical mistakes during his treatment for a toe infection, which included misdiagnoses and inadequate care.

Why is the Trotter family keeping their father's body in a mortuary?

The family is keeping Bill Trotter's body in the mortuary until they receive satisfactory answers about the medical treatment he received and the cause of his death.

What is the Hillsborough Law?

The Hillsborough Law aims to enhance transparency in the healthcare system, ensuring that families receive clear information about medical care and can hold healthcare providers accountable for any failings.