Kristian Hudson, 42, collapsed while out jogging
Kristian Hudson(Image: Debra Morris/SWNS)
A man tragically died after his chest pains were dismissed as indigestion and heartburn, an inquest has heard.
Kristian Hudson was ‘super-fit’ and ran marathons, cycled and was a former Ju-Jitsu champion.
The 42-year-old call handler for West Midlands Police visited New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton complaining of chest pains in February.
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But as his symptoms had initially occurred after a meal, medics incorrectly deemed it as ‘indigestion type pain’.
An inquest heard Mr Hudson was actually suffering from undetected heart disease, and he collapsed and died in March at Wessenden Head Reservoir in Huddersfield.
The hearing in Bradford was told his symptoms had not been assessed in accordance with recognised NHS guidance.
A coroner found his condition could have been treated in time if a simple muscle protein test had been carried out by medics.
West Yorkshire Western Assistant Coroner Caroline Chandler said: “Contrary to recommended guidance, a Troponin (muscle protein) test was not undertaken which may have identified his heart disease and as such he did not receive treatment.
“Had appropriate escalation of his treatment occurred it is possible on the balance of probabilities his heart disease could have been identified and treated and he would not have died when he did.”
After the inquest, his mum Debra said the family were devastated at the loss and he ‘was the fittest man on the planet’.
Mr Hudson, a call handler for West Midlands Police, ran marathons, was a keen cyclist and a former Ju-Jitsu champion when he lived in Australia.
Debra said: “Ever since Kristian was a small child, other than Chickenpox, he was never ill and never had time off school. “He never had a cough or cold, flu, upset stomach, headache, absolutely nothing – his friends called him the fittest man on the planet, and colleagues said he had a zest for life people could only dream of.
“The records of when he visited New Cross on February 14 show they passed it off as an indigestion type pain and the ECG came back as normal which we now know it wasn’t, but there is no signed record of it available.
“The inquest has reinforced our view that the trust and senior staff at New Cross have questions to answer over Kristian’s death – nothing will bring him back but an investigation or action could prevent future deaths of a similar nature.
“It is heartbreaking to think Kristian lost his life because people didn’t do their jobs properly.
“We’d like to see some accountability in the hope no other families have to suffer this same way.
“There never seems to be any accountability for individuals who make these decisions resulting in catastrophic consequences.
“It appears they get a bit more training and told not to do it again. That wouldn’t happen in any other profession.”
The West Yorkshire Western area coroner has now given the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust until Friday to respond to its findings.
Joe Chadwick-Bell, group chief executive of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “We would like to offer our sincere condolences to Mr Hudson’s family.
“Due to ongoing discussions, we are unable to comment further at this time.”