A PENSIONER suffering from chronic kidney failure died after becoming disconnected from a dialysis machine in a freak accident at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

An inquest heard on Tuesday how Gwendoline Charlton, from Plassey Crescent, Kinson, Bournemouth, had suffered a heart attack following haemorrhaging in her adrenal gland.

Procedures have changed at the Bournemouth renal unit, a satellite for Dorchester's Dorset County Hospital, as a result of Mrs Charlton's death on July 5, 2004.

Staff nurse Lisa Sampson, who connected Mrs Charlton to the dialysis machine, said she had summoned help after hearing the 73-year-old gasping for breath.

"A colleague went round to the back of her chair to give oxygen and we noticed blood on the floor.

"No alarm was sounding and when Mrs Charlton's blanket was taken off we realised both needles had come out of her arm. Mrs Charlton did not like the tubes taped to her arm. She used to hold them in her hand. There are three pieces of tape on each needle. It is quite hard for them to come out of their own will."

Assistant director of nursing Sally Pinnock said longer needles and tubes were now being used and every patient is given a call button and a leaflet detailing the risks of dialysis treatment.

"I have looked into it nationally and it is a very rare occurrence. We have had needles coming loose but never coming out completely."

Recording an accidental death verdict, East Dorset coroner Sheriff Payne said: "I am satisfied the needles were properly applied and care was taken to monitor them."

First published: October 27