A coroner is to write to the Chief Medical Officer highlighting the issues of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) more commonly known as blood clots, which may occur in persons who do not present as high risk under the existing protocols.
Mr. Joe McCrisscan made the remarks at the inquest into the death of Reverend Robert Alexander Campbell, of Tullybroom Road, Clogher who passed away last year, aged 46.
Rev Campbell, a Presbyterian minister, suffered a fractured toe on his left foot and associated mobility issues, in the weeks prior to his death. 
He was assessed at Tyrone County Hospital Accident and Emergency Department on May 10, 2017, and after diagnosis was placed in a plaster cast and provided with crutches.
At a later assessment on May 31, 2017, a decision was taken to proceed without surgery and treat the injury by six weeks non-weight bearing followed by six weeks protective weight bearing.
But less than a week later, Rev. Campbell passed away, with the cause of death primarily found to be pulmonary thromboembolism, a clot on the lung.
Contributing factors were the associated injury and a clot in the left leg.
Mr. McCrisscan said he had spoken privately with Rev Campbell’s relatives in advance of the inquest opening, where they had raised concerns as to why there had been no preventive action taken by physicians to address the potential for blood clots, following the injury.
The coroner said: “I have been able to reassure the family all required protocols were followed and as a result a full inquest to formally hear from medical staff will not be necessary.”
He found all staff in the relevant Health and Social Care Trust had adhered fully to the required procedures and treatment was appropriate.
Rev Campbell, said the corner, “Did not present as at elevated risk of a deep vein thrombosis and the proper care was provided. It was difficult for the family to understand what had occurred and why. On review of the paperwork, I see absolutely no issue at all with care, and I have explained this to the family.”
However Mr. McCrisscan pointed out his intention to write to the Chief Medical Officer, suggesting information is provided to health care staff in all situations, not just were risk is indicated.
He said: “This death shows there may still be some risk. While I am satisfied Reverend Campbell was given good and accurate advice, I want to raise the issue with the Chief Medical Officer.”
A lawyer conveyed the Trust’s sympathies to Rev Campbell’s family.