The circumstances surrounding the death of Rosemarie Campbell, a 62-year-old woman who died three days after undergoing weight-loss surgery, are now the subject of a formal inquest. Campbell passed away in Febuary 2022 at her Gold Coast home, a short time after being discharged from Wesley Hospital following a gastric bypass procedure performed by Dr. Reza Adib.

The case has drawn meaningful attention due to Dr. Adib’s connection to former Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, adding another layer of scrutiny to the investigation.The inquest aims to determine if the care provided to Campbell was adequate and whether her discharge from the hospital was premature, given her condition at the time.

According to family members, Campbell reported feeling severely unwell shortly after being discharged, stating she “felt like she had been hit by a truck.” This statement highlights the family’s concerns about the level of care Campbell received in the critical period following her surgery.

Details Surrounding the Surgery and Discharge

Prior to the fatal gastric bypass, Campbell had undergone a gastric sleeve operation performed by Dr. Adib in 2020. However, she sought a follow-up surgery due to recurrent reflux and weight regain, common issues that some patients experience after bariatric procedures. According to the pre-inquest conference, Campbell was released from Wesley Hospital around midday on February 26, into the care of her partner, Shane Campbell.

An expert report prepared by Professor Wendy Brown, a specialist bariatric surgeon, revealed concerning details about Campbell’s condition at the time of her discharge. Brown’s report indicated that Campbell’s oxygen saturation levels had dropped to between 90 and 94 percent. For context, healthy oxygen saturation levels typically range from 95 to 100 percent. A reading below 90 percent is generally considered cause for concern and may indicate hypoxemia, a condition where the blood doesn’t carry enough oxygen to the tissues.

In addition to low oxygen saturation, Campbell’s pulse rate had increased from below 80 to approximately 95 beats per minute. She also reported experiencing “eight out of ten” pain, for which she received medication. moreover, she had vomited multiple times, despite being administered anti-nausea medication. These symptoms collectively paint a picture of a patient who was far from stable at the time of discharge.

Hospital Report Reveals Discrepancies

A subsequent internal report by Wesley Hospital analyzing Campbell’s case revealed a critical error in her patient deterioration early warning score. The report found that Campbell was incorrectly registered as having a “zero” score at both 8 a.m. and midday on the day of her discharge.

According to the hospital’s own analysis, the correct score should have been two, which would have triggered a notification to a senior medical staff member. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the accuracy of patient monitoring and the adherence to established protocols within the hospital. It also highlights the potential consequences of even seemingly minor errors in patient assessment.

The court was informed that Dr. Adib was contacted and approved Campbell’s discharge, also prescribing additional anti-nausea medication. Though, it was stated that he was not informed about her deteriorating vital signs. This raises concerns about the communication flow between nurses and the attending physician, and whether critical details was effectively conveyed to dr. Adib before he made the decision to discharge Campbell.

The Morning After: A Tragic Discovery

The following morning, Campbell experienced difficulty getting out of bed. When her partner,Mr. Campbell, left the room to prepare her coffee, he returned to find her unresponsive on the floor. Despite immediate resuscitation attempts by both Mr. Campbell and paramedics, she could not be revived and was pronounced dead at 8:56 a.m.

An autopsy report steadfast that Campbell’s cause of death was sepsis resulting from acute bacterial peritonitis and pneumonia. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection spirals out of control, leading to widespread inflammation and organ damage. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal wall and organs, often caused by bacterial infection.

Inquest Focus and Key Questions

The inquest is scheduled to begin in June and will focus on several key areas. It will examine the adequacy of the care and treatment provided to Ms. Campbell, specifically looking at whether her deteriorating condition was properly assessed and managed in the lead-up to her discharge.

The appropriateness of the surgery itself, given Ms. Campbell’s medical history and previous bariatric procedure, will also be scrutinized. The inquest will delve into the decision-making process that led to the gastric bypass surgery and whether all available options were adequately considered.

Furthermore, the circumstances surrounding Ms.Campbell’s discharge from Wesley Hospital will be thoroughly investigated.This includes examining the accuracy of the patient deterioration early warning score, the communication between nurses and Dr. Adib, and whether the discharge decision was justified based on ms. Campbell’s vital signs and reported symptoms.

Dr. Adib, nurses involved in Ms. Campbell’s care, and various medical experts are expected to provide testimony at the inquest. Their evidence will be crucial in piecing together a comprehensive understanding of the events that led to Ms. Campbell’s tragic death.

Bariatric Surgery in the U.S.: A Growing Trend

The case of rosemarie Campbell highlights the potential risks associated with bariatric surgery, a field that has seen significant growth in the United States over the past two decades. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the number of bariatric surgeries performed annually in the U.S. has increased dramatically, reflecting the growing prevalence of obesity and related health conditions.

While bariatric surgery can be a life-changing option for individuals struggling with severe obesity, it is indeed not without risks. Potential complications can include infection, bleeding, blood clots, hernias, bowel obstruction, and nutritional deficiencies. In rare cases, as seen in the Campbell case, more serious complications such as sepsis can occur.

For U.S. readers, understanding the landscape of bariatric surgery options and potential risks is paramount. Procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding are available, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Patients should engage in thorough discussions with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate surgical approach and to fully understand the potential risks and benefits.

In the U.S., hospitals and surgical centers are increasingly focused on enhancing patient safety protocols and implementing robust monitoring systems to minimize the risk of complications following bariatric surgery.These efforts include improved patient education, enhanced post-operative care, and the use of advanced technologies to detect early signs of deterioration.

table: Common Bariatric Procedures in the U.S.

Moving Forward: Lessons Learned and Future Implications

The inquest into Rosemarie Campbell’s death serves as a stark reminder of the importance of patient safety and vigilance in post-operative care. It underscores the need for healthcare providers to adhere to established protocols, accurately assess patient conditions, and effectively communicate critical information to ensure timely and appropriate interventions.

For hospitals and surgical centers, this case highlights the need for ongoing quality enhancement initiatives, including regular audits of patient monitoring systems, enhanced training for nursing staff, and the implementation of standardized communication protocols between nurses and physicians.

The outcome of the inquest could have significant implications for bariatric surgery practices, perhaps leading to changes in patient selection criteria, post-operative monitoring protocols, and discharge guidelines. It may also prompt a broader discussion about the role of patient advocacy and the importance of empowering patients and their families to actively participate in their own care.