THE FAMILY of a woman who died in hospital in Durham 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 in Durham heard that on the busiest night in memory in A and E no adequate observation or assessment of her condition was taken.

When a doctor went to see her, 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.

Speaking after the two-day hearing, Mr Tweddle said he will write to the hospital trust, outlining his concerns.

He said in the view of a health expert the failures were 'almost inevitable' considering the pressure staff were under.

"There are no winners in such a case, only losers. The family has lost a loved one, in circumstances where her death may well have been avoided. The hospital, in general, and the nursing staff in particular, know their performance was sub-standard on this occasion."

But Mr Tweddle said it was 'encouraging' that the hospital has said it will learn lessons.

Mrs Matla, of Woodside, Tantobie, near Stanley, was described as a kind-hearted animal-lover. The divorced mother of a grown-up daughter, she had a recent history of depression and overdoses.

Daughter Jane Neal, recent partner Glynne Graver, and close friend Sandra Wilson, plus other family members, were said to be 'relieved' at the verdict.

Family solicitor Rod Findlay, who now intends to bring a claim for clinical negligence, said: "This is a very sad case where a woman has died needlessly. Had she received the correct treatment, or any treatment at all, then she would still be alive today."

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

She said the trust has attempted to end GP-referred cases filling accident and emergency beds, has recently taken on two additional consultants in the department, while implementing changes to reduce waiting times and improve conditions.