THE family of a woman who died in hospital after taking an overdose is to pursue a claim for clinical negligence.

It follows an inquest verdict of, "misadventure, contributed to by neglect", recorded by North Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle into the death of 47-year-old Maureen Matla.

Mr Tweddle said there was a "gross failing" by the University Hospital of North Durham to provide basic medical attention for Mrs Matla, following her admission late on January 7. Despite being told by ambulance paramedics that she was suspected of taking a mix of prescribed drugs, including the anti-depressant coproxymol, with alcohol, she was left in a side room in accident and emergency.

The inquest heard that on the busiest night in memory in accident and emergency, no adequate assessment of her condition was taken.

When a doctor went to see Mrs Matla, of Woodside, Tantobie, near Stanley, about an hour later, she was found slumped in a wheelchair, unconscious.

Despite "exemplary" efforts at resuscitation, she failed to be fully revived without the use of a ventilator, which was switched off on January 10.

Mr Tweddle said in the view of a health expert the failures were "almost inevitable" bearing in mind the pressure staff were under, adding: "The hospital, in general, and the nursing staff in particular, know their performance was sub-standard on this occasion."

Family solicitor Rod Findlay, now intends to bring a claim for clinical negligence. He said: "This is a very sad case where a woman has died needlessly."

A North Durham Health Care NHS Trust spokeswoman said it "deeply regrets" Mrs Matla's death, which has led to a full investigation and "action being taken" to avoid a repeat.