Inquest hears how 24-year-old often missed dialysis appointments before death

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Inquest hears how 24-year-old often missed kidney dialysis appointments before his death
Tuesday, December 11, 2012Hull Daily MailFollow
YOUNG people who need dialysis are being reminded how important the treatment is after a young man died suddenly.

Ryan James Eastwood, 24, was found dead at his friend's home in east Hull on August 17.

Hull Coroner's Court heard he suffered from severe kidney failure and needed dialysis.

But the inquest heard Ryan, who had long-standing health problems, refused to acknowledge how serious his condition was and often missed appointments.

Coroner David Rosenberg said Ryan died from hypertensive heart disease due to renal insufficiency.

Ryan's mother Lorraine Beech, of east Hull, said: "He was part of his own downfall, unfortunately.

"We did everything and everybody talked to him – his grandad and his friends.

"He would say he was going and I'd get a phone call.

"The day he died, he was supposed to go and he said he would go tomorrow.

"But tomorrow never came."

Ryan, who suffered alcohol problems, was admitted to hospital on August 14 due to poorly-controlled blood pressure but wanted to leave.

The inquest heard he discharged himself the following day and went out drinking with his friend, Craig Jennison, and others in Beverley on August 16. Craig took Ryan back to his mother, Paula Jennison's house, in east Hull, at about 12.30am on August 17 after he said he felt unwell.

He was found dead in bed by Paula at about 10.30am the following morning, despite her efforts to resuscitate him.

Consultant histopathologist Dr Justin Cooke said Ryan's heart was enlarged and death could have happened at any time. He said it was "most likely" dialysis could have prolonged his life.

Lorraine said: "I don't think he realised the enormity of the problem. He lived for the day."

Samantha Middleton, an advanced practitioner at Humber NHS Foundation Trust, told the inquest she had tried to encourage Ryan to attend his dialysis sessions.

She said: "When I asked if he knew the seriousness, he said he did know but he didn't care.

"He said he hated hospitals, hated dialysis and was sick of it."

However, Ms Middleton said Ryan was positive about treatment following an admission to hospital in July.

Dr Mohammed Imran, consultant physician at Hull Royal Infirmary, said many patients who miss dialysis appointments are in their late teens or early twenties and it is a "common problem".

Mr Rosenberg said dialysis patients of Ryan's age want to be out with their friends, enjoying life and Ryan "obviously had that frustration".

He said he was "hopeful" hospital staff could address the issue.

Mr Rosenberg said he was satisfied the cause of death was "natural" and it was a long-term natural illness that led to Ryan's death.

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