MUM-OF-ONE PAULA IVERS DIED JUST THREE DAYS AFTER BEING SENT HOME FROM HOSPITAL — NOW A CORONER WARNS THAT LESSONS MUST BE LEARNED

Paula Ivers, 47, was a devoted children’s nurse who sought medical help for severe chest pain. She was diagnosed with acid reflux and discharged — but just three days later, she died at home from a life-threatening tear in her aorta.

A family is grieving the loss of a much-loved mother, daughter and sister after an inquest found that neglect contributed to her death following a hospital visit for severe chest pain.

Paula Ivers, from Denton in Greater Manchester, attended Tameside General Hospital on March 5, 2024, after experiencing worsening pain in her chest that spread into her back and shoulders.

The 47-year-old children’s nurse was assessed by medical staff and underwent several tests. She was subsequently diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as acid reflux, and discharged with medication.

But the underlying condition causing her symptoms had not been identified.

Three days later, on March 8, Paula died at home from complications of an undiagnosed aortic dissection — a tear in the wall of the body’s main artery.

Her death has since prompted serious concerns about how hospitals assess patients experiencing chest pain and whether important family medical history is being properly recorded.

A LIFE-THREATENING CONDITION THAT WENT UNRECOGNIZED

During Paula’s hospital visit, medical staff carried out an electrocardiogram, a chest X-ray and blood tests.

According to the coroner’s report, most of the results were considered normal, although Paula’s heart rate was elevated and one blood marker was slightly raised.

Despite the severity and pattern of her pain, and a family history of early cardiac death, she was discharged with an acid reflux diagnosis and a prescription for omeprazole.

An aortic dissection can be a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. In Paula’s case, the condition remained undiagnosed until after her death.

The inquest concluded in June 2026 that complications from the untreated aortic dissection caused her death and that neglect contributed to the outcome.

CORONER WARNS THAT MORE MUST BE DONE

Following the inquest, South Manchester coroner Chris Morris issued a formal Prevention of Future Deaths report addressed to NHS England and Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.

The report raised concerns about the assessment of patients presenting with chest pain, including whether they receive an early, substantive review by an experienced clinician.

It also highlighted concerns about how family medical history is recorded and whether blood pressure is routinely checked in both arms when patients attend with chest pain.

The coroner warned that action was needed to address these issues, stating that otherwise there was a significant risk of future deaths.

The report is intended to prompt organisations to consider what changes are needed to reduce the risk of similar tragedies.

HER FAMILY SAYS HER LOSS HAS LEFT A HUGE VOID

For Paula’s loved ones, the findings cannot undo the loss of a woman they say was loving, kind and generous.

Paula had worked as a children’s nurse for more than two decades, dedicating much of her life to caring for others. She was also a mother whose daughter was just nine years old when she died.

Her family has spoken about the lasting pain of losing her and the impact her death has had on everyone close to her.

They have also called for lessons to be learned so that other families do not have to endure a similar experience.

The case has brought renewed attention to the importance of listening carefully to patients, assessing serious symptoms thoroughly and considering relevant family medical history.

A LEGACY THAT COULD HELP PROTECT OTHERS

Paula’s story is now part of a wider call for improvements in how potentially life-threatening conditions are recognized in emergency care.

The hospital trust has acknowledged shortcomings in her care and outlined steps being taken in response. The coroner’s report has also placed the concerns before NHS England, calling for further consideration of patient safety.

For Paula’s family, the hope is that speaking publicly about what happened will help prevent another family from experiencing the same heartbreak.

A mother, a sister, a daughter and a dedicated nurse, Paula is remembered by those who loved her for the care she gave to others.

Her story is a painful reminder of how important it is for serious symptoms to be investigated and for concerns raised by patients and their families to be taken seriously.

Rest in peace, Paula Ivers. Our thoughts are with her daughter and all her loved ones as they continue to grieve.