Barry Myers

I am Lisa Milner, Assistant Coroner, for the coroner area of West Sussex, Brighton and Hove.

On 30 January 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of Barry MYERS  aged 59. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 21 January 2025. The conclusion of the inquest was that: Barry Myers sadly died on the 28 January 2024 at Royal Sussex County Hospital,  after suffering an ischaemic cerebral artery stroke. Unfortunately, a mechanical  thrombectomy was not undertaken, as Barry had presented at the hospital outside of the hours, when the thrombectomy was able to be performed.

Barry Myers sadly died on the 28 January 2024 at Royal Sussex County Hospital,  Brighton, after suffering an ischaemic cerebral artery stroke. Whilst it appears that Barry had failed to manage his anticoagulant medication, potentially resulting in  his stroke, he could not have a mechanical thrombectomy as there was no service available outside of the operational hours of the department involved at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Further, there were missed opportunities to transfer Barry to another centre that were able to provide a mechanical  thrombectomy in that time.

During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to  concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: (brief summary of matters of concern) The court heard there is insufficient funding in place for patients to be provided  with an urgent mechanical thrombectomy between the hours of 4 pm and 8 am at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action.