URGENT UPDATE: In a shocking tragedy, Paula Ivers, a dedicated nurse, has died just three days after being sent home from Tameside Hospital with a misdiagnosis of indigestion. The heartbreaking incident unfolded in Denton, Tameside, where the 47-year-old mother was found unresponsive by her young daughter on March 8, 2024.
Officials confirm that Ms. Ivers suffered a thoracic aortic dissection, a critical tear in the main artery, leading to a cardiac arrest. An inquest has begun at Stockport Coroner’s Court, where her family alleges serious failings in her care and diagnosis.
On March 5, 2024, Ms. Ivers arrived at Tameside Hospital’s A&E reporting “horrendous” chest pain, which she described as “worse than childbirth.” Despite her distress, she was discharged after being reassured that her symptoms were not heart-related. Her partner, Simon Norbury, noted she was struggling to breathe on the way to the hospital and had expected her to be admitted.
The inquest revealed that she underwent a triage process that included blood tests and an ECG, both of which showed no acute abnormalities. However, Ms. Ivers’ family argues that her symptoms warranted further investigation, especially given her family history of cardiac issues; her father died of a heart condition in his early 40s.
Mr. Norbury stated in court that medical staff ultimately diagnosed her with gastroesophageal reflux disease and advised her to take over-the-counter medication. “You could see that she was still not feeling right,” he said, expressing disbelief over the misdiagnosis.
Tragically, Ms. Ivers continued to suffer from severe pain in the days following her discharge. She died just hours after a distressing night at home, where her condition deteriorated rapidly. Her sister, Lesley, also a nurse, emotionally shared, “It is a cruel irony that Paula was a fierce advocate and defender of the NHS, yet when she needed it most, she was let down in the worst way possible.”
A consultant in emergency medicine at Tameside, Dr. Osama Ahmed, reviewed the ECG without conducting a physical examination. He admitted during the inquest that he was unaware of Ms. Ivers’ family history and acknowledged that she should not have been classified as a low-risk patient.
The coroner, Christopher Morris, pressed for clarity on the decision-making process that led to her discharge, indicating that Ms. Ivers did not fit the criteria for the Same Day Emergency Care Unit where she was treated.
The inquest has been adjourned, with further evidence expected to be presented. Ms. Ivers’ family continues to seek answers, grappling with the shock of losing a beloved member who devoted her life to caring for others.
As this story develops, the impact of medical misdiagnoses on families raises critical questions about patient safety and healthcare accountability. For those who knew Paula, her loss is a profound reminder of the vulnerabilities within the healthcare system.
Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge from the ongoing inquest into this tragic case.
