Hammersmith Hospital's trust admits 'breach of duty' after death

Giovanni Ferrera, 74, from St Albans, died at Watford General Hospital following a “breach of duty” at another hospital he was being treated at years before his death.

He was taking Apixaban, a blood thinning medication, due to a heart condition he had that caused irregular and abnormally fast heart rates.

In early 2016, Mr Ferrera was taken off the treatment after he experienced a stroke.

Cristina Ferrera (left) and Giovanni (right).

He was admitted to Hammersmith Hospital for a heart operation in August 2016, but it was suspended after discovering a blood clot and he was instead prescribed with the same tablets – despite evidence suggested it was linked to an increased risk of strokes.

In July 2017, he was taken to Watford General after suffering a stroke and he died from a bleed on the brain.

The Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, that runs Hammersmith Hospital, was placed under investigation by law firm Simpson Millar to question the care he received.

Hammersmith Hospital. Credit: PA

The trust has since confirmed that there was a breach of care in the advice given and that resuming the medication could have contributed to his condition deteriorating.

Raymond Anakwe, medical director at the trust, said: “We recognise and accept the shortcomings in the care Mr Ferrera received at the trust and have expressed our sincere regret and given our condolences to his family.

“We take it extremely seriously when the care we deliver falls below the standards a patient should expect to receive and will always implement lessons learned to improve patient care.”

He died at Watford General Hospital

Mr Ferrera’s daughter, Rosana Cioffi, said his death left “a huge hole” in the family’s lives.

She said despite the trust admitting fault, “there seems to be little remorse” about the way he was treated.

The daughter said: “My father worked tirelessly for the NHS for many years, yet when he needed them most he was let down.

“We are relieved that the case has now concluded, but nothing will ever make up for what we have lost, or what we have been through to reach this point."