William Hewes

Medical Director Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust Homerton Row London E9 6SR

I am: Coroner ME Hassell Senior Coroner Inner North London St Pancras Coroner’s Court Camley Street London  N1C 4PP

On 25 January 2023, I commenced an investigation into the death of William Hewes aged 22 years.  The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest earlier today. I made a narrative determination, which I attach.

William was a fit and healthy young man who died from meningococcal septicaemia.

During the course of the inquest, the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances, it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. William’s  life  threatening  condition  was  recognised  immediately  he attended hospital, but he did not receive the necessary treatment as promptly as he should have done.  The cause of the delay was multi factorial. I heard at inquest that the Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust has done a great deal of work since William’s death to try to avoid this sort of situation arising in the future. If future patients at the Homerton can benefit from William’s death, then why not future patients elsewhere?  It seems to me that there would be great merit in sharing the learning nationally.

In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe that you have the power to take such action.