Coroner criticises hospital's 'inadequate' records

An NHS trust has been warned its "inadequate" record keeping could be putting patients at risk.

The concern was raised by a coroner after the death of 82-year-old Margaret Templeman at Southend Hospital in July 2025.

Assistant coroner Rebecca Mundy said there were "significant deficiencies" in how Templeman's clinical records were kept, including her hydration, nutrition and medication management.

The Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, was "committed to learning and making improvements", its chief medical officer, Christine Blanshard, said.

Templeman was admitted to Southend Hospital after a fall at home on 16 July 2025.

She suffered a leg fracture and died eight days later after her condition worsened.

Mundy said that overseeing the inquest into Templeman's death had given her concerns about the way the trust kept clinical records.

"The deficiencies were such that I was unable to determine whether important elements of care had been provided appropriately, or at all," she wrote, in a prevention of future deaths report, which followed the inquest at Essex Coroner's Court in Chelmsford.

"This is not an isolated concern. I have encountered similar failings in record keeping and documentation in other inquests involving different wards and hospital sites within the trust, as have other coroners within this jurisdiction."

Mundy said inadequate records risked staff missing any deterioration in the health of patients and clinical decisions being poorly informed.

She also noted there was "little or no documentation" of communication with Templeman's family while she was in hospital.

The hospitals trust said it was developing a new digital patient record system for all of its sites, which also include Basildon and Broomfield hospitals.

Blanshard said: "Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Mrs Templeman.

"We recognise that accurate record keeping is essential to delivering safe, high-quality care.

"We're committed to learning and making further improvements, supported by enhanced senior oversight at ward level."

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