A PREGNANT NHS worker who tragically died from a severe asthma attack was not given an exhale test before her death, an inquest heard.
Chloe Arnold, 25, collapsed at her Darlaston home on March 3, 2023 and was dead less than a week later.
The mum-to-be was 10 weeks pregnant[/caption]
An inquest into the hospital worker’s death, held at Oldbury on Tuesday, heard Chloe had a history of asthma.
The mum-to-be, who was 10 weeks pregnant, also had a dental abscess.
She had been treated at an urgent treatment centre for breathlessness and wheezing on March 3.
Chloe was was correctly prescribed a nebuliser and antibiotics before being sent home from the GP-led urgent treatment centre.
But, the inquest heard how a probe launched by the hospital discovered Chloe was not given a peak expiratory flow test.
This is standard procedure, and measures how quickly patients can blow air from their lungs.
Shortly after returning from the treatment centre, Chloe suffered a severe asthma attack.
Her step dad Mark Bradley performed CPR in their home as she went into respiratory arrest.
The mum-to-be then went into cardiac arrest as she was rushed to Walsall Manor Hospital.
She was treated in the Intensive Care Unit after having contracted fluid on the brain but sadly died on March 9.
Urgent care locum Dr Emeka Nzenwata gave evidence at the inquest.
He explained the emergency department and the urgent care department used different assessment systems.
Dr Nzenwata said at the time he treated Chloe, he was unfamiliar with a checking system which would have flagged that she required a peak flow test.
“I was always aware of peak flow. At the time I saw her the evidence was pointing to a mild case of asthma exacerbation,” he told the hearing.
He added that since Chloe’s death, he now administers all asthma patients the test.
Chloe’s grief-stricken mum, Sarah Porter, also gave evidence at the hearing.
She said her daughter was diagnosed with asthma when she was 18-months old, but had not always been taking medication as she grew older.
Ms Porter explained Chloe’s asthma had gotten worse over the years.
Paying tribute to her daughter, she said: “She was full of life. She had so much more to give and we all miss her every single day.
“I hope that things will be put into practice with the peak flows so that no-one else will has to go through what I am going through.”
Ms Porter also heartbreakingly revealed Chloe has not told her she was pregnant, because she had been keeping it as a an adorable Mothering Sunday surprise.
Assistant Black Country Coroner Mr Michael Pemberton said: “I find there were missed opportunities in regard to her status as a pregnant lady which would have lowered the threshold for admission to be considered.
“She was discharged.”
Mr Pemberton also told the inquest Walsall Healthcare Trust and the urgent care operator Malling Health have made changes in their asthma patient care.
Mr Pemberton added: “On the balance of probabilities it cannot be said that had she remained in hospital that her death would not have happened. I heard clear evidence of the deterioration in her condition when she went home.
“I am satisfied with the evidence heard from the ambulance service that the triage and treatment given by its staff was appropriate.
“In my judgement this was a natural death and while also noting while there was some suboptimal care and missed opportunities, they did not contribute more than minimally to Chloe’s death.”
Chloe’s medical cause of death was given as lack of oxygen to the brain, acute severe asthma, asthma and pregnancy.
Mr Pemberton concluded the 25-year-old’s death was due to natural causes.
In an emotional tribute Chloe’s mum added: “She was just perfect, fantastic and loved by so many people. If love could have kept Chloe alive, she would have lived for eternity.
“She was my best friend. I’d give anything to have her back.
“She was always the life and soul of the party and the centre of attention. She loved a good party and was always on the dancefloor.”
Kate Follows, a former work colleague, also paid a heartfelt tribute.
She wrote: “I knew Chloe extremely well.
“She was such a hard worker – if Chloe was working in a bay, you knew the patients would be safe and well looked after.
“She was one of the youngest members of staff but always loud and bubbly.
“On her first day she arrived looking immaculate, with perfect hair and make-up.
“If we went on a night out she was always glamorous, with her eyebrows and eyelashes looking amazing.”
Close friend Paige Greaves wrote a touching message on a GoFundMe she set up for the family.
She wrote: “Chloe Arnold was a wonderful girl with an amazing personality that lit up the room when she entered.
“Chloe sadly suffered a cardiac arrest and sadly didn’t get better.
“She is now flying high with angels.
“We are looking to raise money for Chloe’s family to give her the most beautiful send-off!”
Chloe leaves behind her sisters Mercedes, 22, and Ellie Mae, 10, brother Henley, 11, dad Wayne Arnold, and boyfriend of nine months Jay Beech, 26.
