Family Hope For Full Investigation

An inquest is due to open at 10.00am on Friday 21st August, into the death of a 28 year-old Birmingham Mum of two, who died from deep vein thrombosis and a pulmonary embolism ten days after a varicose vein operation.

Amanda Irene Hopkins, from Woodgate Valley, had undergone the surgery on her legs at the Raddlebarn Day Surgery Centre, under University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, on 7th March 2008.

However, several days after the operation, she complained of shortness of breath and tightness in her chest. During a follow up appointment at her GP surgery, Amanda informed a practice nurse of her symptoms but was told to come back if the problem persisted or got worse.

On the morning of 17th March 2008, Amanda Hopkins was found collapsed and unresponsive by her father, Graham Hopkins, who had attended her home after her family had been unable to contact her by telephone. Her two young boys aged just 3 and 6 had been in the house with her and told their grandfather that they had been “unable to get Mummy up.” An ambulance was called but paramedics were unable to resuscitate Ms Hopkins.

Victoria Blankstone, a solicitor with the Birmingham office of law firm, Irwin Mitchell, acting for the Hopkins family said: “Amanda Hopkins’ entire family are understandably very distressed by her death and very much hope that the inquest will fully investigate the circumstances regarding her untimely and sudden death.

“In particular, the family feel there are a number of questions concerning the fact that Amanda had been prescribed Dianette tablets prior to the surgery for varicose veins, which are classified as a combined hormonal contraceptive and are known to have an increased risk of thrombo-embolism.”