The family of Tammy Mackenzie, a loving mother who tragically passed away at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham, has paid a heartfelt tribute following her death on August 6, 2023. Tammy, 41, died just days after her daughter Khloe was stillborn.
Tammy was admitted to the hospital suffering from vomiting and abdominal pain. An inquest revealed that earlier medical intervention, specifically a timely MRI scan, might have saved both Tammy and her baby. However, the scan was delayed by four days, despite being recommended on July 26, which contributed to a delayed diagnosis of a small bowel obstruction.
Her condition worsened rapidly, leading to an emergency caesarean section on August 1, during which Khloe was stillborn. Tammy was then moved to intensive care but, tragically, she never recovered.
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The family believes that the delay in diagnosis and surgery played a critical role in this heartbreaking outcome. Tammy had been admitted and discharged multiple times in the month leading up to her death, despite ongoing symptoms. Assistant Coroner Ian Dreelan noted missed opportunities to diagnose her condition sooner during the inquest.
Jacqueline Mackenzie, Tammy’s mother, expressed profound sorrow for the loss of both her daughter and granddaughter. She described Tammy as a joyful person who loved creating happy memories with her four children—Corey, Louie, Savannah, and Charlie. The family also highlighted the bittersweet arrival of Tammy’s first grandchild, a milestone she was not there to witness.
“We hope that errors like this never happen to any other young pregnant women again,” Jacqueline said. “Tammy was caring, full of life, and brought happiness to all who knew her. Her loss has left a deep void in our family.”
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Heartlands Hospital, acknowledged the inquest’s findings and expressed condolences. Following an internal review, the Trust confirmed that several changes have already been made to improve patient care and reduce the risk of similar events in the future.
“We remain committed to providing safe, compassionate care,” a spokesperson said. “The lessons learned from Tammy’s case are being embedded across our services to prevent such tragedies from recurring.”