A DOCTOR said that a patient who died of peritonitis showed classic symptoms, but - the fatal condition was not even suspected until it was too late.

Father-of-four Philip Dear, 52, of Ashton, died in agony on March 13, 36 hours after first attending Tameside Hospital's accident and emergency unit complaining of stomach pains and vomiting.

A&E doctor Volker Kreutze told Tameside Coroner's Court that Mr Dear's condition was ''not clear cut''.

He said: ''All the other findings were normal and supported my diagnosis of urinary problems which could be managed at home.''

Mr Dear was sent home with painkillers and antibiotics but his condition worsened overnight and he went back the following day.

Tests

Further tests were carried out and he was finally admitted to a ward at 6pm but he collapsed a short time later and was rushed to the high dependency unit. He underwent surgery but he died the following day.

Consultant surgeon Mr Ben Hamida, who carried out the operation, told the inquest how Mr Dear's chances of survival would have been improved if the condition had been diagnosed earlier. Coroner John Pollard recorded a verdict of natural causes.

Mr Dear's son, Simon, 31, said afterwards: ''Not only did they fail to spot the peritonitis straight away but they then sent him home - perhaps if he'd have been kept overnight in hospital and they had seen him deteriorate they may have made an earlier diagnosis. We feel there was a good chance he could have been saved.''

claire.hindley@gmnews.co.uk

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