19.11.2014
Jim Stuart, 67 and Darren Hughes, 42 had kidney transplants in November 2013 but after surgery their conditions began to deteriorate rapidly; they lost consciousness and died just over two weeks later.
The post-mortem revealed that they both died of infection of the brain called meningo-encephalitis which was caused by parasites known as Halicephalobus which lives in soil and commonly found in horses.
The two-day hearing at Cardiff Coroner’s Court which was attended by the families of Jim and Darren, from Cardiff and Bridgend in South Wales, who are being represented by specialist medical negligence lawyers from Irwin Mitchell who hope that the inquest will provide much-needed answers about how their loved ones died.
Assistant Coroner Christopher Woolley heard that the organs had been rejected due to the cause of death by several other hospitals around the country and that both families would not have consented to the transplants if they had been told about the condition of the organs.
Ian Hughes, Darren’s father, said: “We hope that people who are currently on the transplant list are not put off by what has happened to Darren and Jim as it is a lifesaving service which helps thousands of people up and down the country.”
Specialist Medical Negligence Lawyers Representing The Families
An inquest in Cardiff to investigate the deaths of two men who died after being given organs infected with a parasitic worm during kidney transplants has been adjourned to allow the court to hear from more expert witnesses (19th November).Jim Stuart, 67 and Darren Hughes, 42 had kidney transplants in November 2013 but after surgery their conditions began to deteriorate rapidly; they lost consciousness and died just over two weeks later.
The post-mortem revealed that they both died of infection of the brain called meningo-encephalitis which was caused by parasites known as Halicephalobus which lives in soil and commonly found in horses.
The two-day hearing at Cardiff Coroner’s Court which was attended by the families of Jim and Darren, from Cardiff and Bridgend in South Wales, who are being represented by specialist medical negligence lawyers from Irwin Mitchell who hope that the inquest will provide much-needed answers about how their loved ones died.
Assistant Coroner Christopher Woolley heard that the organs had been rejected due to the cause of death by several other hospitals around the country and that both families would not have consented to the transplants if they had been told about the condition of the organs.
There have only been five reported cases in the world of people diagnosed with the infection, all have been fatal. The donor of the kidneys also died from the same infection.Expert Opinion
Jim and Darren’s families are completely heartbroken after losing their loved ones in such tragic circumstances.
“The evidence we have heard so far is shocking and we hope that as the inquest continues that we are able to piece together the answers for both of these families as to how these tragedies could have possibly happened. We are encouraged that because of this case changes have been implemented by the Welsh Health Board and organisations involved to ensure that this can never happen again.
“We will continue to support both of the families throughout this time and help them address the serious concerns they have regarding the transplants and circumstances leading up to the operations.”
Julie Lewis - Partner
Ian Hughes, Darren’s father, said: “We hope that people who are currently on the transplant list are not put off by what has happened to Darren and Jim as it is a lifesaving service which helps thousands of people up and down the country.”
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