A hospital not involved in the patient’s care will lead the investigation
Matt Lee Senior Multimedia Journalist
20:00, 23 Jan 2026
The Emergency Department of Broomfield Hospital(Image: Essex Live)
The death of a man in an A&E waiting room at an Essex hospital will be investigated by an independent hospital, an MP has said. Thomas Casey, 34, died last week while attending Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford.
Mr Casey was reportedly admitted with chest pains and given ‘pain medication’ But he passed away in front of those also waiting in A&E, including his 19-year-old son.
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, who manages Broomfield Hospital, as well as Southend and Basildon hospitals, said they would be investigating Mr Casey’s care and tragic death. The hospital trust has already completed a rapid review into the incident.
A full investigation has also been launched and will be led by a hospital not involved in the patient’s care. Health Secretary Wes Streeting told the BBC earlier this week that he was “extremely sorry” to hear about the incident.
Marie Goldman, the MP for Chelmsford (Lib Dem.), said she has been “reassured” by the trust’s action since the incident, but has called for all recommendations to be implemented “as a matter of urgency, to ensure that something like this never happens again”.
She added: “The staff at Broomfield work incredibly hard, particularly at this time of the year, and it’s important that we give them the support that they need. Such a tragedy feels very sadly inevitable in a healthcare system that has been overwhelmed and under-supported. It’s time we change that.”
Christine Blanshard, Chief Medical Officer at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our condolences go out to Mr Casey’s family. We are investigating the care he received and are in close contact with the family to discuss their concerns.”