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Man with fatal illness in 36 hour corridor wait

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2 months ago

April 13, 2026

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Man with fatal illness

Man with fatal illness in 36-hour corridor wait

Tragic Case Highlights NHS Pressures

The widow of a 66-year-old man who died from encephalitis has spoken out about the care he received at a hospital in Cheshire. Tom Frith spent 36 hours in a corridor bed after arriving at A&E with flu-like symptoms.

His wife, Julia Frith, believes the delays and environment contributed to his deteriorating condition. She has now instructed lawyers to investigate possible medical negligence.

The incident occurred at Leighton Hospital in Crewe, run by Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. It has drawn attention to ongoing issues with emergency department overcrowding.

Tom Frith's Background and Initial Admission

Tom Frith, from Knutsford, was an active man who had recently attended the Isle of Man TT Races. A week later, he developed symptoms including a high temperature and unsteadiness on his feet.

On 14 June 2025, he was admitted to the A&E department at Leighton Hospital. Staff initially suspected delirium caused by an infection.

He was placed in a corridor bed due to lack of space. This situation persisted for more than 36 hours while his condition worsened.

Overnight Deterioration and Suspected Stroke

Overnight, Tom's health declined further. Hospital staff discussed the possibility that he might be having a stroke.

Despite this serious concern, there was a delay of more than seven hours before a doctor could assess him properly. He remained in the corridor throughout this period.

Julia Frith recalled staff apologising for the wait, explaining it was linked to the introduction of a new computer system that was causing disruptions.

Family Concerns During the Corridor Stay

Julia described the A&E department as overwhelmed. She noted that even with suspicions of a stroke, Tom was left unattended in the corridor for 36 hours.

At one point, she briefly left the hospital but returned to find him standing, distressed, with his ID bracelet torn off. Staff helped clean and change him after this episode.

A doctor eventually prescribed antibiotics while he was still in the corridor, suspecting an infection. He was moved to a cubicle only after about 36 hours.

Categories: Medical Negligence, NHS Pressures, Encephalitis Awareness, Patient Safety

Keywords: Tom Frith, Julia Frith, Leighton Hospital, 36-hour corridor wait, encephalitis death, A&E delays, stroke suspicion, Mid Cheshire NHS Trust

Progression to Diagnosis and Treatment

A day after moving to a cubicle, an X-ray confirmed Tom had a chest infection. His condition continued to decline over the following days.

Six days after admission, he was transferred to the intensive care unit. Tests there confirmed encephalitis, a serious inflammation of the brain.

Despite receiving treatment for the condition, doctors informed the family that recovery was unlikely. After about a month in hospital, he was moved to palliative care.

Tom Frith passed away on 27 July 2025 from complications related to encephalitis. The family has highlighted the potential life-threatening nature of his initial symptoms.

Family's Call for Awareness and Accountability

Julia Frith expressed deep concern that Tom was failed by the system. She pointed out that a simple online search of his symptoms often flags encephalitis or similar serious conditions as possibilities.

She requested a transfer to the neurology unit at Royal Stoke University Hospital, but it was unavailable due to capacity issues. The family now seeks answers through a legal claim.

Julia aims to raise public awareness of encephalitis to help prevent similar tragedies. She believes better recognition of symptoms could make a difference.

Official Response from the Hospital Trust

Dr Clare Hammell, chief medical officer at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said patient safety is taken extremely seriously. The trust expressed sorrow for any distress caused to the family.

Due to the ongoing legal claim issued by the family through Leigh Day solicitors, the trust stated it would be inappropriate to comment on specific details of Tom's care or the allegations raised.

The trust confirmed it is cooperating fully with the legal process. It remains committed to learning lessons and improving care, including staff education on rare conditions like encephalitis.

Broader Context of Corridor Care in the NHS

This case reflects wider challenges in emergency departments across the UK. Overcrowding often leads to patients being cared for in corridors for extended periods.

Experts from organisations like Encephalitis International emphasise the importance of better awareness and training for healthcare professionals on conditions that can be misdiagnosed or delayed.

The family's experience underscores calls for systemic improvements to reduce delays and ensure timely assessments in overwhelmed A&E settings.

Categories: Medical Negligence, NHS Pressures, Encephalitis Awareness, Patient Safety

Keywords: Tom Frith, Julia Frith, Leighton Hospital, 36-hour corridor wait, encephalitis death, A&E delays, stroke suspicion, Mid Cheshire NHS Trust, corridor care

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