A legal battle is underway after a 22-year-old rugby player dies in hospital, a coroner heard.
Firth Smith Lord from Bolton died on December 18, 2019 after a cardiac arrest at Salford Royal Hospital – after a problem with a “clamped” external ventricular drain (EVD).
EVDs are life saving devices used for neurosurgical patients with excessive amounts of cerebrospinal fluid that protect them from injury. Nurses are responsible for caring for patients with EVD.
In March 2018, Firth was diagnosed with central nervous system cancer, for which he was receiving EVD treatment.
A pre-investigation review at Bolton Coroners Court found that Mr Lord’s parents are not satisfied that their son has been adequately cared for over a period of two years.
According to the autopsy, cancer of the central nervous system was given as the cause of death.
However, the family believe that the former Bolton RUFC player’s life could have been extended if an earlier diagnosis had been made.
Paul Williams, the family’s attorney, said, “In this case, there is a real possibility of systemic failure.
“The family has concerns about the treatment he received in the two years prior to his death.
“They believe there were missed opportunities.”
Victoria Davies, the Northern Care Alliance attorney, said health bosses have admitted the EVD drain was blocked – and that this is most likely the cause of the heart attack that led to his death.
However, she didn’t think it had missed opportunities regarding its previous grooming.
Assistant Coroner Paul Sigee said he would look into all matters before setting a date for the full investigation at Bolton Coroners Court later this year – or possibly early 2022 if a jury is required.