Widow Reveals Hope For Answers From Upcoming Hearing

The widow of a man who died last year shortly after undergoing bowel surgery at Bradford Royal Infirmary has revealed how she hopes an upcoming inquest will provide much-needed answers in relation to his death.

Walter Burd, from Bradford, passed away aged 72 in December 2016 just three days after surgery to correct an enterocutaneous fistula, an abnormal connection that develops between the intestinal tract or stomach and the skin. As a result of this condition, contents of the stomach or intestines leak through to the skin.

Walter’s family had raised concerns with the hospital staff 36 hours after the surgery because the felt that something was seriously wrong and his condition was deteriorating. Sadly nothing was done for at least another 6 or 7 hours during which time Walter’s condition continued to deteriorate. He was eventually transferred to the Intensive Care Unit but died a short time later.

An inquest into his case is set to be held at Bradford Coroner’s Court, 2pm on 11th October 2017.

Following his death, Walter’s widow, Wyn, instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and help her gain answers regarding whether it could have been prevented.

Ross McWilliams, the medical negligence specialist at Irwin Mitchell who is representing Wyn, said: 

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“This is a very upsetting case and our client remains understandably devastated by the loss of her husband ten months on from the event.

“We hope that this inquest will provide the key information regarding the events that led to Walter’s death and that the findings will ensure that the family get the answers they deserve.” Ross McWilliams - Partner

Walter underwent the complex surgery on 1st December at Bradford Royal Infirmary, part of the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The 48 hours following his surgery saw Walter’s health begin to deteriorate.

Wyn Burd, who was married to Walter for 51 years and still lives in Bradford, said: “I am still devastated at the loss of Walter. He was much loved by all who met him and I still think about him on a daily basis. It is difficult to come to terms with the fact that he has gone.

“I simply hope that this inquest can provide answers for what happened and whether more could have been done to prevent his tragic death.”