Inquest into death of Paul Phillips, 69, concludes

An inquest into the death of Paul Phillips heard how the 69-year-old died at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (N&N) on Monday, August 8 last year. 

The court was told that following an eight-month stay at the N&N, Mr Phillips, of Barford near Wymondham, was moved from ward to ward no fewer than 19 times. 

Chris Cobb, the hospital's chief operating officer, explained that action had been taken since Mr Phillips’ death. 

“We thoroughly investigated the care he received and have taken action to ensure patients with complex health needs are not moved multiple times,” he said. 

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“We have taken steps to reduce ward moves and have moved all our specialities back to their dedicated wards to ensure continuity for patients. 

“Our sincere condolences are with the family of Mr Phillips following their loss. 

“We are very sorry about the multiple ward moves he experienced at our hospital at a time when we experienced extreme operational pressures.” 

His widow, Angela Phillips, told the court that despite her husband’s leg amputations, which were linked to diabetes, he was a tenacious man who refused to let his comorbidities restrict him.  

Norfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)

The two-day inquest, which took place at Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall, Norwich, was led by area coroner Yvonne Blake. 

Ahead of giving her conclusion on the last day of the inquest, on Thursday, August 31, she said: “I still think he should not necessarily have been moved 19 times on the wards when he was.  

“It doesn’t seem to make any common sense to move someone from a ward where they know him, to a different ward where a different set of staff have got to get to know him all over again.” 

She recorded a conclusion of death by natural causes.