Dad Who Had Visited GP Surgery Several Times Died Day After He Was Admitted To Hospital

A mum has spoken of her heartbreak after her son died aged 39 after suffering an undetected ear infection.

Andrew Broadhurst, was admitted to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital on 16 March, 2017, where he was diagnosed with meningitis and encephalitis – swelling of the brain - and a bacterial infection of the temple.

Doctors declared that his brain was not functioning on 17 March and his parents Brenda and Roy Partridge, and Andrew’s son, Shaun, accepted the advice of doctors and life-support treatment was withdrawn.

Since the previous December Andrew had visited his GP surgery several times.

Following his death, Andrew’s family instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his care.

An inquest held at Birmingham Coroner’s Court on 24 October, 2017, has now concluded with a conclusion of natural causes.

Jade Elliott-Archer, expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing the family said: “Brenda, Roy, Shaun and the rest of the family are devastated by the loss of Andrew.

“While nothing can bring Andrew back, Irwin Mitchell will continue to support the family who will now take stock to consider the evidence provided to the Coroner during the inquest.” 

Andrew, a plasterer, lived with his Roy and Brenda, 58 and 57, and 18-year-old Shaun in the Bartley Green area of Birmingham.

Speaking after the hearing Brenda said: “I cannot describe how it feels to have lost Andrew. He was a huge part of our family and we were all very close, given that we lived together in the same household. 

“Andrew supported all of us, and did absolutely everything around the house. He would always make me a coffee each morning, and was a very clean person and did all of the domestic and household tasks. 

“The whole family is absolutely devastated. Looking back, I cannot believe the pain and suffering that Andrew had to go through in the final months of his life. “

Last week the family received an Order of St John UK Award for Organ Donation. The posthumous honour is presented to families of loved ones who signed up to donate their organs.  

Brenda added: “Andrew died far too young and had his whole life ahead of him. Nothing will bring Andrew back but we hope that his legacy will live on in helping those who are in need of an organ transplant. We take some comfort in thinking we might be able prevent others feeling the same pain of losing a loved one.

“We’re still distraught, but, if by sharing our story we can make others consider organ donation when the worst happens, then it gives us some hope that Andrew’s death was not completely in vain.”