Inquest finds lack of blood-clot medication contributed to Lady Branson’s death
The inquest determined that Lady Joan Branson, 80, died after a blood clot following a fall, and that the hospital did not administer prophylactic anticoagulants or conduct a timely VTE risk assessment. Doctors testified she also missed anti-clot stockings and a bleeding risk assessment. The coroner said the omission probably caused or contributed to her death, while family members said they seek lessons rather than blame.
Lady Joan Sarah Drummond Branson, 80, died at The Lister Hospital in Chelsea after a pulmonary embolism linked to deep-vein thrombosis that followed a fall on Necker Island. A virtual inquest heard the hospital failed to provide prophylactic anticoagulants, did not perform an immediate venous thromboembolism (VTE) assessment, and omitted anti-clot stockings for the first 48 hours. Physicians including Dr Basir Kunduzi and Dr Nevil Pavithran acknowledged the lapse and reflected on communication failures.
Senior Coroner Professor Fiona Wilcox stated the lack of anticoagulation “likely prevented” her death. Lady Branson’s daughter Holly Branson said the family hopes the findings will help other patients. The hospital’s consultant, Dr Inaki Bovol, said steps are being taken to improve VTE prevention.
