Mersey Community Hospital’s misdiagnosis led to Alexander Frank Patterson’s ‘certain’ death, coroner finds

 A recent inquest into the death of Alexander Frank Patterson has found that a misdiagnosis at Mersey Community Hospital directly contributed to his "certain" death. The coroner's report reveals that critical errors in his medical care ultimately led to his passing, with the hospital's failure to properly diagnose his condition cited as the cause.

A Preventable Tragedy

Alexander Patterson, a 34-year-old father, died in 2021 after being admitted to Mersey Community Hospital in Tasmania with symptoms that, according to the coroner, were consistent with a life-threatening illness. However, due to a misdiagnosis by hospital staff, the necessary treatments were delayed, ultimately resulting in his death.

The coroner stated, “His death was, unfortunately, a certainty based on the misdiagnosis and the failure to act on clear signs of distress.”

Missteps in Diagnosis

Patterson initially presented with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and abdominal pain, which were suggestive of a serious infection. However, instead of following up with appropriate diagnostic tests, including imaging and blood work, hospital staff attributed his condition to a less urgent illness, causing the delay in crucial treatment. By the time the correct diagnosis was made, it was too late to intervene effectively.

Family’s Grief

Patterson’s family, including his partner and two children, have expressed their heartbreak and frustration over the loss. His mother, Ann Patterson, called the misdiagnosis “devastating,” adding that they felt betrayed by the medical system they trusted.

“Our son should still be here today, and it’s hard to come to terms with the fact that this was preventable,” Ann Patterson said. “We just want to make sure no one else has to go through what we did.”

Calls for Accountability and Reform

The case has sparked a public outcry, with calls for better training and stricter oversight of medical staff. The family’s lawyer is pushing for a review of hospital protocols to prevent such errors in the future.

“We need to ensure that hospitals are held accountable for the lives they’re entrusted with,” said Patterson’s lawyer, Sara Mills. “The family wants to ensure that no other family suffers the way they have.”

Hospital’s Response

Mersey Community Hospital has acknowledged the findings, with a spokesperson expressing their condolences to the Patterson family. They have pledged to review their medical procedures and work towards improving patient care.

The inquest findings serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved in medical misdiagnosis and the far-reaching consequences of failures within the healthcare system. As the Patterson family continues to grieve, they hope their tragedy will lead to necessary reforms in the medical field, ensuring no other families suffer similar losses.