A retired headteacher who was receiving treatment for coronavirus died after an oxygen tube became disconnected from his mask, an inquest has heard. James Johnson, 83, from Wrexham, was admitted to Wrexham Maelor Hospital on January 3, 2021.
Sadly, Mr Johnson, who was being treated for Covid pneumonia, died 10 days later at the hospital's Bonney Ward, where continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) respiratory support was administered over the course of the pandemic. In the days leading up to his death, Mr Johnson's condition deteriorated and, by January 12, a move to palliative care was under consideration.
At the time of Mr Johnson's death, the pandemic was in its third wave, which was the most difficult period for hospitals in north Wales, according to Michelle Hughes. Ms Hughes, an interim surgical matron who was called to assist at the hospital due to it being in an "extreme crisis" situation in January 2021, appeared as a witness at the inquest in Ruthin County Hall on Wednesday via video link.
