AN inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of a Brierley Hill widow who died of an infection after a delay in receiving antibiotics prescribed to her.

Black Country coroner Zafar Siddique has decided to open an inquest into the death of Brenda Askins, aged 81, of Chelmar Drive, Pensnett, after she passed away at Russells Hall Hospital on April 14.

The coroner said Dudley-born Mrs Askins, who had a number of health issues but lived alone with help from carers and family, had been admitted to hospital as a precaution after a fall on March 15.

She was treated for a large bruise to her leg, infected leg ulcers and an eye ulcer before being transferred to Netherton Green step down care facility.

The coroner said she was prescribed antibiotics for an infection but she did not receive the them as “they were sent inappropriately by the pharmacy and nursing staff didn’t chase up the prescription”.

He said the doctor did a follow up review on April 14, some five days later, and Mrs Askins appeared to be confused and unwell and the coroner added: “That’s when it was discovered she hadn’t had any antibiotics. She then received the first dose at that point. Sadly she died later that day.”

Mr Siddique said the cause of death was an infection (urosepsis) and coronary artery calcification (a build up of calcium in the arteries).

He told the court: “Given the delay in prescribing the antibiotics I’ve decided to open an inquest. Given the concerns raised by the family, the delay in prescribing antibiotics, the fact that she died due to an infection – hence why I’m going to have an inquest into this sad death.”

He said a full inquest hearing would likely be held in August and he offered his “condolences to the family of the late Mrs Askins”.