Family Demand Answers After Dad-Of-Two Dies Eight Days After Undergoing Surgery At Privately-Run Cheadle Hospital

The family of a dad-of-two who died eight days after undergoing heart surgery are demanding answers. 

Terry Grainger underwent a quadruple heart bypass at the privately-run Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, near Manchester, on 2 February, 2024. He had been experiencing chest pains, including when exercising, for several months, and had undergone several tests with doctors. 

Terry complained of issues after initially seeming to recover well from surgery

Initially, the bank credit manager seemed to be recovering well after his surgery. However, the 61-year-old started to complain of issues including a shortness of breath. Following scans, Terry, from Bolton, was found to have a build-up of fluid around his lungs. 

A chest drain was fitted on 9 February. The following day the drain was removed. However, Terry started to feel unwell. 

Further tests showed a build-up of fluid around his lungs. Shortly after being transferred to the hospital’s intensive care unit, Terry suffered a cardiac arrest. 

Doctors tried to resuscitate him, but he was pronounced dead at 12.55 pm on 10 February, 2024.

Loved ones asks medical negligence lawyers to secure answers 

Following his death, Terry’s loved ones, including wife Karen, 54, instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his care and support them through an inquest.

Karen has now spoken for the first time about their family’s devastating loss and how they hope an upcoming inquest into Terry’s death will provide them with the “vital answers they deserve.”

Shahin Master is the expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Karen.

Expert Opinion

“Terry was a much-loved husband, dad and friend to many whose death has had a tremendous impact on his loved ones.

“The last year and trying to come to terms with his death and the circumstances surrounding it has been incredibly difficult for Karen and the rest of her family.

“Understandably, they have a number of questions and concerns about the events that unfolded following his heart surgery and if more could have been done to help Terry.

“While nothing can bring Terry back, the inquest is a major milestone in being able to provide his loved ones with the answers they deserve.

“If during the course of the hearing any issues are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety for others.” Shahin Master

Terry Grainger background

Karen and Terry met in 1988. They got engaged on Karen’s 21st birthday and had two children. 

The family enjoyed holidaying in Cornwall which Karen said “was their happy place” and where they scattered some of Terry’s ashes last year.

Wife Karen's tribute to her 'rock' Terry ahead of inquest

Karen said: “When Terry and I met we hit it off straight away. He said I was everything that he wanted and truly believed we were going to be together forever. 

“When our children came along it felt like we had won the lottery. We had our ups and downs, but family life was good. We enjoyed family holidays, travelled to lots of destinations and made fantastic memories. 

“Terry was a great husband and dad. He was loving, caring, funny and hardworking. He was committed to his job but was a real family man. Me and Terry were complete opposites, but people said that’s why we lasted so long as we complemented each other perfectly. 

“Terry was my everything. He was my rock, my soul mate and best friend. He was a true gentleman and friends described him as dependable. Around 300 people attended his funeral which shows just how much he was loved.  

“The day Terry died all our lives changed forever. It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe how terrible the last few months have been. 

“While time has passed, the devastation of losing him hasn’t. Having so many unanswered questions adds to the hurt and pain our family wake with daily.

“I know the inquest and listening to the evidence is going to be upsetting but it’s something I need to do to at least establish answers in Terry’s memory.”

An inquest into Terry’s death is due to be heard at the Conference Rooms, Fred Perry House, Edward Street, Stockport on Wednesday, 22 January.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families with concerns about a loved one's care at our dedicated medical negligence section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.