Nurse's death after misdiagnosed condition 'needless'

The family of a nurse who died just days after her life-threatening heart condition was misdiagnosed have said her "needless" death has left them "devastated".

Paula Ivers went to Tameside General Hospital with chest pain but was sent home after being told it was acid reflux, her inquest heard.

The 47-year-old children's nurse died three days later at her home in Denton, Tameside, in March 2024. A coroner concluded the death was contributed to by neglect.

Her sister Lesley Ivers said she "received poor care from the NHS when she needed it most".

"We are devastated to have lost her," the 51-year-old said.

"Our family will never be the same."

She said her niece "lost her mother at such a young age".

"She was just nine when her mum died and was home alone with her at the time.

"Paula's death has left a huge void in our family and the pain of losing her is still as raw today as it was when she needlessly passed away.

"We feel very disappointed in the NHS."

The mother-of-one went to the A&E department at the hospital in Ashton-under-Lyne in severe pain on 8 March 2024.

Her inquest heard she had gastroesophageal reflux disease and was sent home with a prescription for indigestion medication.

Stockport Coroner's Court heard a tear in her aorta - the main artery of the body - resulted in a cardiac arrest.

Her father had died of a heart-related issue in his 40s, indicating a history in the family, the inquest heard.

Coroner Chris Morris issued a warning that lessons must be learned to prevent future deaths in patients with chest pain.

A hospital trust spokeswoman said it "fully acknowledges the findings of the coroner and has carefully considered the concerns raised".

"We are deeply sorry for the shortcomings in the care provided and for the distress this has caused.

"We have already taken a number of actions to strengthen our processes and improve patient safety, and we remain committed to learning from this tragic case to help prevent similar events in the future."

Ivers' family have successfully sued the trust in a civil case.

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