A family of five were left “angry and upset” after their mum died less than half an hour after being transferred from Calderdale Royal Hospital to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

June Parkes, a 68-year-old great grandmother, suffered from Type 2 Diabetes, Alzheimer’s Dementia and Ischaemic heart disease an inquest at Bradford Coroner’s Court heard.

Mrs Parkes had become unwell at her home at Copley near Salterhebble close to Elland on Sunday, December 14, 2014, She was seen by a district nurse and then by an out of hours doctor.

After collapsing and vomiting blood she was taken by ambulance to the A&E Department at Calderdale Royal Hospital on December 15.

Calderdale Royal Hospital
Calderdale Royal Hospital

Here it was established that she was suffering from a gastric bleed but despite receiving medical care her condition deteriorated and it was eventually decided to transfer her to the Surgical Assessment Unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

An ambulance took her from the Calderdale site at 1.33am on December 17 and arrived in Huddersfield at 1.44am.

However, just minutes later it was clear to staff she was close to death and at 2am she was pronounced dead by Dr Anna Watts.

In Dr Watts’ statement read to the court yesterday (Thurs) by Assistant Coroner Mary Burke she said: ”I was made aware of the patient, Mrs Parkes, from a call at 1.50am. I was told the patient had been transferred from Calderdale Royal Hospital due to an ongoing duodenal ulcer.

Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Acre Street, Lindley, Huddersfield
Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Acre Street, Lindley, Huddersfield

“Staff were very concerned and I was asked to attend immediately.

“A valid Do Not Resuscitate sign was in place. She showed no signs of heart sounds and both pupils were fixed and dilated.

“There were three family members. I informed the family that Mrs Parkes had died. I noted that the family were very angry and upset.”

The inquest is examining whether best practice was observed during her care and whether there were missed opportunities for medics to intervene earlier.

In addition, the court has heard evidence regarding whether she should have been transferred to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary earlier and whether the transfer was carried out properly.

The inquest has been attended by Mrs Parkes’ husband of more than 40 years, Michael Parkes and several of her grieving children.

It will resume next week when Mrs Burke will reveal her conclusion.