A recent inquest revealed the tragic death of a university graduate, Clarissa Street, who passed away after spending more than an hour in a hospital corridor with an oxygen mask that was not connected to any source. Clarissa, a 24-year-old Sociology graduate from the University of Manchester, had been admitted to Royal Oldham Hospital due to a pulmonary embolism, following symptoms of dizziness and feeling unwell.
Despite being recognized for her academic achievements with the Dean’s Award for her dissertation, Clarissa’s health rapidly declined, leading to her untimely death on August 14, 2024. The inquest disclosed that initial medical staff had mistaken her symptoms for a panic attack, delaying proper assessment and treatment.
Upon her arrival at the hospital, Clarissa was provided with an oxygen mask that was not functional, purportedly to help regulate her breathing. She remained in a corridor for an extended period before being transferred to a higher level of care. Tragically, her condition worsened, and she succumbed to a pulmonary embolism, compounded by fatty liver disease.
Reports indicated that Clarissa’s deteriorating health had been preceded by days of illness, during which she had difficulty sleeping and eating. The inquest also highlighted her previous medical history of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, leading up to her fatal episode in 2024.
Nurse Michelle Neale, who attended to Clarissa, admitted to providing the disconnected oxygen mask, stating it had seemingly helped regulate Clarissa’s breathing at the time. Despite concerns raised by medical personnel about Clarissa’s vital signs, she was kept in a corridor for observation, where her condition continued to worsen before receiving critical care.
The inquest mentioned that while retrospective actions such as haematology referrals and further tests might have aided in identifying underlying factors, Clarissa’s fatal embolism in 2024 was deemed unrelated to her previous medical history. The ongoing investigation is set to conclude on May 8, shedding further light on the circumstances surrounding Clarissa Street’s tragic demise.
