Essex hospital admits DNACPR policy not followed after woman's death

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 23:09 · Archive

Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harrow admitted it failed to follow its policy on do-not-resuscitate decisions after a 52-year-old woman's death.

Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow has admitted its DNACPR policy was not followed over a decision not to resuscitate 52-year-old Luciana Antonia Gianfrancesco, who died following admissions with pneumonia and other health problems.

An inquest into her death opened in May 2024 but was adjourned after most evidence was heard. HM Assistant Coroner for Essex Stephen Simblet subsequently issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report after hearing evidence concerning mental capacity assessments and the way a Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation decision had been documented.

According to the coroner's report, a doctor had incompletely filled in a DNACPR form dated 18 April 2024. The form recorded that Gianfrancesco lacked capacity to decide whether she should be resuscitated and stated there was 'Family agreement', but the coroner found her family did not know the form existed. The section concerning best interests and mental capacity had not been addressed and the form had not been passed to a more senior doctor for sign-off.

The coroner said there was a risk that future deaths could occur unless action was taken and raised three areas of concern relating to procedures at Princess Alexandra Hospital. In its formal response, the hospital accepted that a review had identified 'shortcomings in the documentation and recording of the DNACPR decision in this case'.

How it is being reported

• Essex hospital admits policy was not followed after woman's deathPrincess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow admitted its DNACPR policy was not followed after a coroner raised concerns over Luciana Gianfrancesco’s death.Colchester Gazette · 13 Nov, 16:15
• Essex hospital admits policy was not followed after woman's deathPrincess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow admitted its DNACPR policy was not followed after a coroner raised concerns over Luciana Gianfrancesco’s death.Echo (Basildon) · 13 Nov, 16:15
• Essex hospital admits policy was not followed after woman's deathPrincess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow admitted its DNACPR policy was not followed after a coroner raised concerns over Luciana Gianfrancesco’s death.Brentwood Guardian · 13 Nov, 16:15

In this story: Princess Alexandra Hospital · Luciana Antonia Gianfrancesco · Stephen Simblet · Harlow · Essex

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log