A GRIEVING family has criticised Darent Valley Hospital following the death of a former tailor.

John Prina, 85, fell at his home in Prince’s Road, Dartford, on August 4 and was treated at the facility for cuts to his arms and released after being given antibiotics and painkillers.

However he was rushed back to hospital by his concerned family on August 6 and died later that day.

The cause of death was found to be subdural haemorrhage and cerebral infarction.

His relatives complained to Darent Valley after his death because they believe his symptoms could have been investigated more fully when he was first admitted and that the locum doctor's manner was inappropriate.

Son Mark Prina told the inquest at Gravesend Old Town Hall: "We recognise he may not have survived but he may have had a more comfortable end to his life - his headache was not investigated.

"When we came back on August 6, the locum doctor just put us in a side room."

The doctor in question, Baisi Olaogun, was due to give evidence but did not appear at the inquest at on December 4.

Director of emergency and surgical care at Darent Valley Hospital Winston Martin said: "It was concluded there was very little evidence of head injury.  No reports of a headache were given. 

"My understanding is the pain killers were given for the skin tears however there is not a reason given in the notes.

"Dr Olaogun was so shocked by the change in Mr Prina’s condition but now accepts his manner was inappropriate."

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust held a review into the incident and found a report which suggested the anti-platelet therapy which Mr Prina, a former tailor, received for a prior condition could have been linked to the bleed.

Coroner Roger Hatch said: "I hope this evidence has gone some way to answering the family’s concerns.

"I must record an open verdict."

A spokesman for Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust said: "The reasons for the non-attendance of Dr Olaogun are still being investigated.

"It should be emphasied that Mr Prina did not come to hospital with a headache nor was he found to have abnormal neurological signs on examination."

The Trust is currently changing its protocol and guidance for similar incidents as a result of Mr Prina's case.