A devoted father and committed hospital worker, Craig Green, tragically passed away after critical failings and missed opportunities within the very hospital where he was employed. The 39-year-old catering assistant at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QE) died last July due to a devastating brain injury sustained on a ward at the Selly Oak site.
The inquest revealed months before his death, Craig’s scan incidentally uncovered a brain aneurysm — a dangerous condition that ultimately led to a fatal rupture. However, due to poor communication and inadequate documentation by the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, neither Craig nor his general practitioner were informed about this high-risk finding.
Described by the trust as a “much-loved colleague,” Craig’s death has left his family shattered, especially his partner Lesley Claridge, who is now left to raise their three sons alone. Lesley expressed profound grief and frustration, stating that had they known of Craig’s condition earlier, he could have made informed lifestyle changes and not felt compelled to return to work, potentially preventing this tragedy.
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Earlier that year, Craig sought medical advice at the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) clinic due to sudden hearing loss. During this period, a scan identified the aneurysm. Unfortunately, although a consultant forwarded the results to the neurovascular multi-disciplinary team via email, the information was not sent in the required format, causing the referral process to fail. This breakdown in protocol meant crucial information never reached either Craig or his GP.
Despite these failings, the coroner was informed that these missed chances likely did not contribute directly to Craig’s death, as treatment would have only begun months later. Nonetheless, the trust undertook a comprehensive review of the case, with Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon Stephen Rooney leading the investigation. The findings highlighted recurring issues in medicine regarding poor communication and documentation.
Following the report, the trust has implemented a four-point action plan to strengthen communication processes and referral pathways, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust publicly extended their deepest condolences to Craig’s family and reaffirmed their commitment to learning from this tragic incident. They acknowledged the profound impact on those close to Craig and emphasized the steps taken to improve patient care and internal processes.
Lesley’s heartfelt reflections capture the human cost behind the procedural failings. She conveyed the heavy burden of grieving while managing financial and emotional hardships alone, striving to provide the life Craig dreamed of for their children.
This tragic case shines a spotlight on the critical importance of timely communication within healthcare settings, reminding us how vital it is to ensure that every patient receives the information necessary for their care and safety.