Widower Instructs Medical Negligence Lawyers To Secure Answers At Inquest Into Wife’s Death Days Before Christmas

A widower whose wife died shortly after being diagnosed with a blood clot on her brain just before Christmas has revealed his devastation - and asked lawyers to secure answers. 

In the week before her death, Natasha Hewitt, aged 35, had complained of pain which had moved from her back and into her head and left ear. She also complained of migraine like symptoms and struggling to stand up without feeling dizzy.

Mum Natasha given antibiotics for suspected ear infection

Natasha, from Sheffield, had called a GP and attended a walk-in medical appointment at which she was prescribed antibiotics and painkillers for a suspected ear infection. 

Two days after first being prescribed antibiotics, the mum-of-one, who had a history of blood clots, was admitted to hospital. She was diagnosed with a large blood clot called a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. She was transferred to specialist brain unit for surgery. However, she died two days later – a week before Christmas last year. 

Nick asks medical negligence lawyers to help secure answers

Natasha’s husband, Nick, 42, has instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help secure answers as to what happened to her at an upcoming inquest into her death. 

Expert Opinion

“Attempting to try and come to terms with Natasha’s death has been incredibly difficult for Nick and the rest of her family.

“They also have a number of concerns about the events that unfolded in the lead up to Natasha’s death which tragically occurred so close to Christmas last year.

“While nothing can bring Natasha back, the inquest is a major milestone in being able to provide them with the answers they deserve.

“Blood clots can be incredibly serious and need to be treated quickly. If during the course of the inquest any issues in the care Natasha received are identified, it’s vital that lessons are learned to improve patient safety.” Rosie Charlton

Natasha Hewitt's story

Natasha, who was studying for a business management with accounting degree through the Open University, started complaining of back pain on Thursday, 8 December, last year. 

On Sunday, 11 December, Natasha, who developed a headache and who started taking strong painkillers, managed to go Christmas shopping with Nick and their baby son, Harry. During their last shopping trip together, the couple bought Harry his first pair of shoes.  

However, Natasha’s pain continued. The following day she phoned a GP surgery but Nick said she was advised to visit a walk-in centre. 

However, Natasha complained of migraine-like symptoms and struggled to stand up without feeling dizzy and lightheaded. Nick drove her to a walk-in centre on the Wednesday where she was prescribed antibiotics and painkillers for a suspected left ear infection.

The following day Natasha started vomiting. Following a call with NHS 111, a GP prescribed her more antibiotics. 

However, her condition continued to deteriorate. Nick called for an ambulance on Friday, 16 December. She was taken to hospital and then transferred for specialist surgery later that day. 

Surgeons operated on Natasha to relive pressure on her brain on Saturday, 17 December. She died at around 1am the next morning.   

Natasha's history of blood clots 

Natasha and Nick had suffered 11 miscarriages and two failed rounds of IVF before they found out they were expecting Harry. 

When Natasha was 25 weeks pregnant, she was diagnosed with a blood clot in her placenta and doctors took the decision to deliver Harry 14 weeks premature in July 2021. The following month, Natasha, also received hospital treatment for a blood clot on her lung.

Harry spent 18 weeks in neonatal intensive care before he was allowed home to his parents. 

Nick pays tribute to beautiful and caring wife

Nick said: “When Natasha and I first met we hit it off immediately. She was beautiful, fun and intelligent. Everything just seemed to click.

“After travelling around Australia and New Zealand we came home to settle down and make plans for our future. Over time we experienced 11 miscarriages and two rounds of fertility treatment. We thought it wasn’t meant to be but then suddenly found out Natasha was expecting. We were overjoyed. 

“When Harry was born there were some really tough and emotional times, but he showed amazing fight. We were so excited to bring him home to start our life as a family together. 

“Harry was making amazing progress and developing. We’d have a family day every week where we’d go swimming, go to the park or go for a long walk. Everything seemed perfect.  We were actually trying for another baby.

Nick reveals devastation over Natasha's death and hope for answers at inquest

“However, that all changed when Natasha started complaining of feeling poorly last December. Natasha sought medical advice but she didn’t seem to be improving; in fact she looked to be getting worse.

“Natasha was unable to look after Harry and I felt powerless to help her. It got to the point where I thought enough was enough and she needed to go to hospital. She couldn’t stand up, she was vomiting, her speech was confused. She couldn’t even keep water down.

“After arriving at hospital I was taken into a small room and offered a hot drink. That’s when I knew how serious it was. I sat at her bedside was speaking to her as she was unresponsive. I held her hand and cried whilst saying “I’m so sorry.” 

“The last time I saw Natasha open her eyes was when she was transferred. We hoped and prayed that she would pull through but sadly she didn’t. 

“We got to spend our last final moments together. It was absolutely awful feeling her hand go cold and the colour in her face change, I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.

“Natasha was a beautiful soul, there was no bad in her; just a kind and caring person. 

“While the months have passed the devastation of losing Natasha hasn’t eased. Having so many unanswered questions adds to the hurt and pain I live with daily.

“I know the inquest and listening to the evidence is going to upsetting but it’s something I need to do to at least establish answers in Natasha’s memory.
 
An inquest into Natasha’s death is due to take place at Sheffield’s Medico-Centre on Wednesday, 20 September. It’s expected to last two days.

Find out more about our expertise in supporting families concerned about the care of a loved one at our dedicated medical negligence section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.