Tammy Mackenzie, a 41-year-old mother from Birmingham, tragically passed away days after her baby daughter, Khloe, was stillborn. An inquest into her death revealed that earlier medical intervention, including a timely MRI scan, might have ensured their survival.
Tammy was 28 weeks pregnant when she was admitted to Heartlands Hospital’s emergency department on July 26, 2023, experiencing severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Despite previous hospital visits for similar symptoms, including a stay earlier in July, doctors delayed performing an MRI scan recommended upon her arrival.
The scan, postponed until July 30, confirmed a small bowel obstruction. Efforts to treat the condition non-surgically began but Tammy’s health rapidly declined. After an emergency caesarean section on August 1, Khloe was stillborn. Tammy was moved to intensive care, underwent further surgery, but succumbed to multiple organ failure on August 6.
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Assistant Coroner Ian Dreelan stated that the delay in diagnosing and treating the bowel obstruction was a critical factor in the deaths. An internal review suggested that if the MRI had been carried out sooner, treatment could have started earlier, potentially saving both mother and child.
“Words can’t express my condolences to the family,” Mr. Dreelan said. He concluded that Tammy’s death was natural but significantly contributed to by missed diagnostic opportunities.
Tammy’s mother, Jacqueline, described her daughter as a “happy-go-lucky person who laughed a lot” and expressed deep sorrow over her loss.