Coroner finds clinical errors contributed to Eltham teacher's death
Dena Collins, 28, died from a blood clot after GP and hospital assessments missed key risk factors
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A primary school teacher from Eltham died from a preventable blood clot after errors in clinical judgment at both her GP surgery and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Greenwich. Dena Collins, 28, suffered a fatal heart attack on 12 January 2023, three days after visiting her GP and one day after being assessed at the hospital.
Assistant coroner Linda Jacobs delivered her findings at Inner South London Coroner’s Court on 12 January 2027, what would have been Collins’ 32nd birthday. Jacobs stated that if the blood clot had been diagnosed and treated, Collins would likely have survived. The coroner identified failures in both primary and secondary care but did not classify the case as neglect.
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Missed opportunities in care
Collins first sought help on 9 January 2023 at her GP surgery, complaining of leg pain. She was diagnosed with muscular pain and sent home. The coroner noted that her use of the combined oral contraceptive pill, a known risk factor for blood clots, was not considered during this consultation.
Two days later, Collins attended Queen Elizabeth Hospital with worsening symptoms, including fever, diarrhoea, and severe leg pain. Despite a triage note raising the possibility of a blood clot and a positive D-dimer test, she was diagnosed with a possible ruptured cyst. She was advised to return the following day for a scan but collapsed at home the next morning.
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Her father performed CPR before paramedics took her back to the hospital, where she died hours later. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as a deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
“If something feels wrong, keep asking questions, seek a second opinion and advocate for yourself loudly.”
Clare Collins, sister of Dena Collins
Family calls for accountability
Collins’ family described her as someone who trusted her instincts. In messages sent before her death, she told friends and family she suspected a blood clot after researching her symptoms. Her sister, Clare Collins, urged others to advocate for themselves if they feel unwell, saying her sister had repeatedly sought help but was not taken seriously enough.
Dozens of family members and friends attended the inquest conclusion, some in person and others online. Clare Collins said the family hoped the findings would lead to meaningful changes in how patients with similar symptoms are assessed. She added that no other family should endure what they had experienced.
Trust yet to respond
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, which runs Queen Elizabeth Hospital, was contacted for comment following the inquest. No public statement has been issued at the time of reporting. The trust is responsible for addressing the coroner’s findings and any subsequent actions.
The coroner’s report will now be sent to relevant healthcare bodies for review. It remains unclear whether the trust will conduct an internal investigation or implement changes in response to the findings.
Questions this report answers
+What caused Dena Collins’ death?
Dena Collins died from a heart attack caused by a blood clot, specifically a deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The coroner concluded that earlier diagnosis and treatment would likely have prevented her death.
+What errors did the coroner identify?
The coroner found errors of clinical judgment in both Collins’ GP visit and her assessment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Key risk factors, such as her use of the contraceptive pill, were not considered during her GP consultation.
+What happens next after the inquest?
The coroner’s report will be sent to healthcare bodies for review. Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, has not yet responded publicly but may conduct an internal investigation or implement changes.
+How can residents advocate for themselves after this case?
Collins’ family urged people to trust their instincts if they feel unwell. They advised seeking a second opinion and persistently asking questions if symptoms are dismissed or not taken seriously by healthcare providers.
News London Desk
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