Portsmouth woman, 39, dies after tube is 'blocked with mucus' in Spanish hospital
A 39-year-old Portsmouth woman died after a tube became “blocked with mucus” when she was in hospital in Spain.
Leah Blake died on 20 November 2024 at Joan XIII University Hospital, Tarragona. Her sudden death sparked an investigation amid questions over how she passed away.
Now a verdict has been delivered at Portsmouth Coroner’s Court with Ms Blake’s death a result of her endo-tracheal tube becoming blocked while at the Spanish hospital.
A narrative conclusion stated: “The deceased died on 20 November 2024 at Joan XIII University Hospital, Tarragona, Spain, having developed hypoxic brain injury in consequence of suffering cardio-respiratory arrest caused by her endo-tracheal tube becoming blocked with mucus.”
An endo-tracheal tube is a flexible plastic or rubber catheter inserted through the mouth or nose to maintain an open airway and deliver oxygen and is normally connected to a ventilator. They are normally used during surgery and emergencies.