A bright university graduate tragically passed away in a hospital corridor after receiving an oxygen mask that was not connected to anything, an inquest revealed. Clarissa Street, aged 24, had been admitted to A&E at Royal Oldham Hospital due to symptoms of dizziness and feeling unwell caused by a pulmonary embolism. The Sociology graduate from the University of Manchester, who had received the Dean’s Award for her dissertation, sadly succumbed to her condition on August 14, 2024.
During the investigation into her death, it was disclosed that a paramedic initially believed Clarissa, described by her family as sociable and creative, was experiencing a panic attack rather than a medical emergency. Upon her arrival at the hospital, Clarissa was provided with an oxygen mask that was not connected to any oxygen source, and she spent over an hour in a corridor before being transferred to a higher level of care.
Tragically, Clarissa’s health deteriorated, leading to her passing from a pulmonary embolism compounded by fatty liver disease. Her boyfriend had called for an ambulance the day before her death when she started fainting after days of illness, struggling to eat and drink. The inquest also revealed Clarissa’s history of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis dating back to 2017, for which she had been intermittently taking blood thinners.
Nurse Michelle Neale, who was on triage duty when Clarissa arrived, ordered tests and monitoring for her, including an ECG and blood tests. While she admitted to providing a disconnected oxygen mask, she mentioned that it seemed to help regulate Clarissa’s breathing at the time. Despite being advised by a senior nurse to keep an eye on Clarissa due to her youth and being placed on fluids in a corridor, Clarissa’s condition worsened, leading to her transfer to a higher level of care and eventual passing.
The inquest acknowledged that national guidelines did not mandate a hematology referral for Clarissa in 2017, given the circumstances of her previous embolism, which was considered provoked. However, in hindsight, further investigations and referrals may have provided insights into her condition. The inquest, which is set to conclude on May 8, highlighted that Clarissa’s 2024 embolism was unprovoked, indicating a separate medical event from her previous condition.