Inquest hears how Teesside woman, 35, died from massive blood clot just hours after giving birth

The family of a mum who died shortly after giving birth is still left with unanswered questions about her death.

Joanne Jones, 35, died from a “massive” blood clot in her lungs during routine surgery to remove her placenta shortly after she delivered Riley Jeff Jo Jones at the University Hospital of North Tees, a month before his due date, on August 14, 2013.

Family members attended an inquest at Teesside Coroners’ Court yesterday and say they now want to meet with the hospital’s trust for more answers.

Speaking to The Gazette, Joanne’s husband, Anthony Jones, said: “There are still questions in our minds which we need answering, and we will not be at peace until that is done. We are now arranging a meeting with the trust, as we feel some areas surrounding Joanne’s death have not been addressed fully. We are completely drained by what has happened.”

The court heard how Joanne’s waters broke during a holiday to Butlins, in Minehead, a month earlier. After a risk assessment carried out at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, showed no immediate threat, Joanne, who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, was transferred by ambulance to North Tees, where medics discharged her on July 29. However three days later, mum-of-three Joanne started bleeding and doctors decided to book her in to be induced for a natural birth.

At the inquest, Mr Santhosh Puthuraya, a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at North Tees, said Joanne’s delivery process, on August 13, had been a success.

“It is likely that the clots which caused the blockage in her lungs were already in the body at this time, and had dislodged or travelled up to the lungs, during the removal of the placenta.”

When asked if Joanne’s cause of death was rare, Mr Puthuraya added: “From my 15 years’ experience, I have come across a few cases of surgery to remove the placenta. However I have not come across a case as severe as Mrs Jones’.”

Dr Vijay Kulmar Jagannathan, a consultant in critical care, added: “Although Joanne had a normal labour, she had lost around 1.5 litres of blood. During the removal of the placenta, she suffered a cardiac arrest.”

She was taken to intensive care and put on a ventilator. Despite several attempts to stop the blood from clotting in the lungs, Joanne suffered a final heart attack at 1.57am on August 14 and could not be resuscitated.

A post-mortem examination revealed Joanne, from Hartlepool, died from a fragmented pulmonary embolism of the main artery in both lungs, caused by a blood clot in the deep veins in her pelvic and thigh area.

Pathologist Dr Lowe described the blockage as “a recent occurrence” which he said had not been present “for days or weeks.”

Recording a narrative verdict, acting senior coroner Claire Bailey told Joanne’s family she accepted the evidence heard in court.

“My conclusion is that Joanne passed away as a result of recognised complications of pregnancy, childbirth and necessary surgical intervention.”

A spokesperson for North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust said: “As with all tragic incidents of this nature, the trust has vigorously investigated the circumstances of Joanne Jones’ death. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to Joanne’s family.”