Criminal investigation after Lancashire man died during dialysis procedure concludes

An inquest into the death of a man in a Fylde hospital has been opened almost four years on following the conclusion of a criminal investigation into the circumstances - and the inquest itself could still be some time away.

Frank Sager from Hambleton was undergoing dialysis treatment for his chronic kidney condition at Clifton Hospital in St Annes when he started bleeding. An ambulance was called but attempts to save him proved unsuccessful and he died in August 2022.

A post mortem examination found the prime cause of death to be blood loss, with secondary causes chronic renal failure, hypertension and atrial fibrillation.

Blackpool and Fylde assistant coroner Louise Rae said at the inquest opening and pre-inquest review that the inquest could not be opened while the criminal investigation was still under way and that had now concluded, with no charges brought.

But the inquest proceedings could be further delayed by the fact that the Nursing and Midwifery Council is to carry out its own investigation into the death.

Ms Rae said that investigation “won’t be quick” and asked advocates at the hearing to consult their clients on how they felt about the inquest possibly being delayed until after that result was known.

As well as Mr Sager’s family, those represented by the advocates included the company providing the dialysis facility at Clifton Hospital and the Royal Preston Hospital, where Mr Sager was under treatment for his kidney condition.

Ms Rae gave the advocates 21 days to consult their clients before she decides whether to proceed with the inquest for wait for the result of the NMC investigation.

She also set a 21-day deadline for suggested names of expert witnesses in dialysis and kidney treatment to give evidence at the inquest and 42 days for all relevant information to be submitted for the inquest bundle issued to interested parties.

The assistant coroner said a further pre-inquest review would follow in the autumn.

Lancashire Police were approached by The Gazette but declined to comment.