A SENIOR surgeon said he would write to the director of the Wye Valley NHS Trust after a family were left unaware of their loved ones' deteriorating health as he lay dying in Hereford County Hospital.

Michael John Lewis, aged 70, was admitted to hospital on June 22 after falling while walking his dog.

As a result of his fall he suffered a torn mesentery which resulted in an abdomen haemorrhage.

A mesenteric injury in blunt abdominal trauma involves compression and deceleration forces which result in a spectrum of injuries.

'Conservative' treatment was used by the hospital staff but Mr Lewis, who was a professional drummer, died on June 25.

Herefordshire Coroner Mark Bricknell recorded a narrative verdict at an inquest into her death at Hereford Town Hall this morning (Wednesday).

His wife Anne Lewis, said that the pair had moved from Essex to their Dolau home in Llandrindod Wells, close to where her husband fell, five months before his death.

She said that after her husband's fall they had no update from the hospital about his health.

"We had no idea what was going on," said Mrs Lewis.

"He had the fall and we thought we would be home in a couple of days. He wasn't.

"The first thing we were told was a phone call to discuss a DNR (do-not-resuscitate order).

"I didn't get the chance to see him before he died, I wanted to see him."

Her son Chris Lewis added that the family believed his dad was 'on his way back home' from the messages his dad had sent to them.

"In the absence of a professional we had no idea and we pictured him supping tea before coming home," added Mr Lewis.

Mr Bricknell told the inquest that Mrs Lewis had rang the hospital to establish the position of her husband's health, but was told nobody was available until receiving a call about a DNR order.

"I see it time and time again," said Mr Bricknell.

"I think I will probably be more inclined to be constructive due to Covid but that is not an excuse altogether.

"It's not the first time and I suspect it's not the last."

Surgeon Simon Fisher attended the inquest and gave a detailed explanation of the treatment Mr Lewis received while he was in hospital.

Mr Fisher said he would write to the Wye Valley NHS director and use this case as an example.

"As a clinician I am pushing for more nurses so somebody has time to speak to families," said Mr Fisher.

"Perhaps improving the nurse ratios as these situations are really frustrating. Information wasn't quick enough in this case and it's not right."