Southampton hospital manager 'left to die', inquest told

Nicholas Ginger was talking to fellow healthcare professional Jackie Chatterton on November 30, 2022 when he slid to one side after suffering a bleed on the brain.

But the inquest heard that Ms Chatterton sent a Teams message instead of calling 999, which meant it was several hours before help arrived.

Mr Ginger, from Shirley, was found by his family after 5pm on November 30 and died on December 2.

The 65-year-old father-of-three was a boss at University Hospital Southampton (Image: Family)

The 65-year-old father of three was a manager at University Hospital Southampton, responsible for planning and modernisation.

A family statement read to the inquest by his daughter, Maria Burgess, of Totton, made numerous references to Ms Chatterton.

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"She had a duty of care to Dad. That day she failed to execute it and left him to suffer and die," it said.

"You say you attempted to send a Teams message before 11am and that you failed to notice it had not sent until gone 3pm.

"How were you able to get on with your day for more than four hours, having thought that you had witnessed a medical emergency without seeking an immediate response.

"Was he ought of sight, out of mind? Did you carry on with appointments or take a tea break? Was he really that low on your priority list that you went about your day unfazed by the fact that you hadn't received a message.

"You wrote 'I emphasised that I am really concerned about this employee'. Well, clearly not that concerned that you got on with your day without seeking an urgent response.

"Do you agree that your lack of action prevented any chance of survival?

"You surely saw he had gone from fully upright and chatting normally, giving detailed answers, to someone that had slid over. Shame you weren't concerned enough to call an ambulance."

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She continued: "You documented a dispute between yourself and your manager, Christine Lawrence, whereby neither of you would take ownership of the duty of care to call an ambulance.

"The pair of you wasted time arguing whilst he laid alone fighting for his life.

"Dad was robbed of the chance to enjoy his grandchildren as they grow up further. He was robbed of the chance of reaching retirement age and enjoying his free time.

"My (then) 6 year old will barely remember the kind, lovable man that we should still have here."

The inquest continues on Tuesday, when Ms Chatterton is expected to give evidence.