Coroner rules teacher's death from blood clot was avoidable
Dena Collins, 28, died after hospital and GP missed chances to diagnose and treat a clot
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A 28-year-old primary school teacher from Eltham died from a heart attack caused by a blood clot that a coroner has ruled was avoidable. Dena Collins died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich on 12 January 2023. The inquest concluded on 12 January 2024, her 32nd birthday.
Assistant coroner Linda Jacobs said a post-mortem examination found Collins died from deep vein thrombosis and a pulmonary embolism. She stated that if the clot had been identified and treated, 'the fatal cardiac arrest would have been avoided'.
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Missed opportunities in care
Collins visited her GP three days before her death complaining of leg pain. The BBC reported that she was diagnosed with muscular pain and sent home. On 11 January 2023, she attended Queen Elizabeth Hospital using a crutch after four days of leg pain, fever and diarrhoea.
The hospital’s triage team noted the possibility of a blood clot. A D-dimer test, which detects clots, returned a positive result. Despite this, Collins was diagnosed with a possible ruptured cyst and told to return the following day for a scan. She collapsed at home the next morning and died hours later.
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If something feels wrong, keep asking questions, seek a second opinion and advocate for yourself loudly.
Clare Collins, sister of Dena Collins
NHS trust to review findings
The coroner identified 'errors of clinical judgment' in Collins’ primary and secondary care but did not record neglect. Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust acknowledged the inquest’s importance to the family. A spokesperson told the BBC the trust will review the coroner’s recommendations to drive changes for future patients.
Collins’ sister, Clare, spoke after the hearing. She urged people to trust their instincts about their health. 'We hope the findings of this inquest lead to accountability and meaningful change so that no other family has to experience all that we have endured,' she said.
What happens next
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust said it will examine the coroner’s recommendations in full. It is unclear when the trust will complete its review or what specific changes it will implement. The coroner’s report will be sent to relevant healthcare bodies for consideration.
Questions this report answers
+What caused Dena Collins’ death?
Dena Collins died from a heart attack caused by a blood clot, specifically deep vein thrombosis and a pulmonary embolism. The coroner ruled the death avoidable if the clot had been diagnosed and treated in time.
+What errors were found in her care?
The coroner identified 'errors of clinical judgment' in Collins’ care at her GP surgery and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. She was diagnosed with muscular pain by her GP and later with a possible ruptured cyst at the hospital, despite a positive D-dimer test for a clot.
+Will the NHS make changes after the inquest?
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust said it will review the coroner’s recommendations to drive changes for future patients. It is unclear what specific measures will be introduced or when the review will conclude.
+How can patients advocate for themselves after this case?
Collins’ sister urged people to trust their instincts. She advised seeking a second opinion and asking questions if something feels wrong. The inquest highlighted the importance of patients advocating for their own health.
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