Leyland widow died of sepsis weeks after hip replacement, hears inquest
82-year-old Leyland woman’s family experienced ‘confusion and difficulties’ following her death. Reporting from Preston Coroner’s Court
An 82-year-old woman died of sepsis weeks after a delayed hip replacement operation at Royal Preston Hospital.
Area coroner Kate Bissett recorded a narrative conclusion at an inquest into the death of Daphne Loughlin, of Dunkirk Lane, Leyland.
Ms Bissett acknowledged that Mrs Loughlin's family had experienced "confusion and difficulties" surrounding her treatment, but the busy hospital had been experiencing "resource issues"'. It was not guilty of any act or omission which led to Mrs Loughlin's death.
Widow Mrs Loughlin died at home in November 2025. The cause of death was sepsis, with hip replacement surgery a secondary cause.
The inquest heard that Mrs Loughlin was admitted to hospital in August 2025 after falling in the street. She had suffered a broken hip, and surgery was deemed necessary.
The operation was scheduled for late August, but was suddenly cancelled. The operation went ahead on September 1. After the operation her wound appeared "angry" and further procedures were carried out.
Her condition deteriorated and in November she was put on palliative care and discharged home. She died on November 5.
Royal Preston Hospital consultant surgeon Anthony Helm said a broken hip was a "devastating" injury to someone of Mrs Loughlin's age. There were always risks involved. Mr Helm said the hospital was a trauma unit and could accept patients from a wide area. The operating lists could change at any moment.
Mrs Loughlin's recovery from the operation was not straight forward. There was a problem with her wound and she was taken back to theatre on two more occasions.
She had suffered an infection.
Mr Helm said all possible precautions were taken during surgery and in the follow-up procedures.
Recording a narrative conclusion, Ms Bissett said Mrs Loughlin and her family experienced "confusion and difficulties" in hospital.
But the delay in her operation was not down to Royal Preston, but "resource issues".
She said that due to Mrs Loughlin's age, there was a risk of an infection or other complications.