A coroner has found that "neglect'"was a contributing factor in the death of 20-year-old woman who developed sepsis after a routine operation.

Acting senior coroner Andrew Cox recorded his findings on the third day of an inquest into the death of Chloe Rideout from Coverack, who worked as a receptionist at the spa at St Michael's Hotel in Falmouth and at the Bay Hotel near Coverack.

She had been taken to University Hospital Plymouth, better known as Derriford Hospital, by a concerned friend on the evening of October 7, 2018 after she complained of stomach ache that was worsening, and ended up having her appendix removed two days later.

The surgeon operating found evidence of infection at that time.

However, over the course of the inquest it was found that there had been a lack of continuity in her care after the operation, including that the results of an ordered blood test had not been checked before she was discharged.

She was also discharged when she was still in pain and with a raised heartrate, known as tachycardia, at 110 beats per minute – and with only one of the three antibiotics that she had been prescribed.

Mr Cox described Chloe's discharge as "manifestly inappropriate," going on to say: "I find the shortcomings were causative in Chloe's death."

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Chloe's mother was so concerned about her daughter's condition that she slept in the same room with her that night and at 9am the next day called 111. A nurse came to check on her, who did not feel hospital was required, but only ten minutes after she had left Mrs Rideout called 999 and asked for an ambulance.

Despite "considerable efforts" made by staff at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, Chloe fell into a coma and died on October 20, 2018.

After hearing all the evidence, Mr Cox said he would focus his findings on the period of care received by Chloe at Derriford, saying: "My narrative conclusion is that Chloe died from a known complication, sepsis, following a necessary surgical procedure, an appendectomy, to which neglect contributed."

He explained that to record a finding of neglect there must have been a "gross failure to provide medical attention" to someone who was dependent, adding: "The conduct must have caused the death. It is not enough to show there was a missed opportunity to render care which may have made a difference."

Chloe Rideout died in October 2018 from sepsis

Chloe Rideout died in October 2018 from sepsis

Mr Cox agreed with the findings that the cause of death was multiple organ failure caused by sepsis, with a contributing factor of a perforated appendix (post operative).

During the course of the inquest it was heard that subsequent changes had been made at Derriford Hospital, which meant greater continuity of care. There was now a specialist consulting team, rather than standalone consultant surgeons, backed up by a junior doctor team.

The junior doctor rota was also put together with "as much continuity in care as possible".