By Lucy Caulkett-
An American woman living in the UK died of a stroke after visiting Southend hospital because she was turned away to have an x ray
Claire Shappling visited Southend hospital in Essex after suffering a stroke, but is said to have been told to book an appointment for an X ray on another day.
Friends of the 43 year old American say they had to take her to hospital themselves after the ambulance service told her she was fine and did not need treatment.
They contacted The Eye Of Media after reading our story of the death of Tony Sayers, who died at the same hospital following a disastrous needle injection operation. His next of kin, Ellie Sayers, is still awaiting an explanation about how he died.
The Ambulance Service in Essex did not respond to requests from this publication over their attendance of her address.
Claire’s health had taken a significant hit in the weeks leading up to her hospital visit, but none of her friends expected her to die.
Friends and family were concerned about her deteriorating physical condition, which eventually led to an ambulance being called to her address on that fateful day in September.
The sequence of events that followed, including a controversial X-ray procedure and her subsequent discharge, has raised red flags and left her friends and loved ones demanding answers. Southend Hospital, however, denies any record of her visit, leading to a perplexing situation that is yet to be resolved.
A Fall Leads to a Tragic Decline
It all began with a fall. Claire Shapling, a 55-year-old American expatriate living in Westcliff on Sea, had a tumble down a flight of stairs in her home. Friends and neighbors who were aware of the incident expressed their concern over her physical health, especially since Claire had a history of health problems.
Friends describe Claire as a vibrant and lively woman who had a love for life and a deep sense of adventure. She was known for her spirited nature and positive outlook. However, her fall down the stairs brought with it a series of complications, which eventually led to the sequence of events that would culminate in her tragic death..
The decision to perform an X-ray on a stroke patient raises questions about the appropriateness of the hospital’s initial response to Claire’s medical needs. With the severity of her condition, was an X-ray the right first step, or should she have received more immediate and comprehensive medical attention?
Disputed Records and a Lack of Answers
One of the most perplexing aspects of this tragic case is the apparent lack of medical records at Southend Hospital concerning Claire’s visit. The hospital maintains that they have no record of her being admitted on September 29, adding to the mystery surrounding her medical care.
Claire’s friends and those who were with her during her visit to the hospital dispute this claim, insisting that she was indeed admitted and that the hospital’s response, including the X-ray procedure, was documented.
This discrepancy in records adds another layer of complexity to an already heart-wrenching situation. It leaves Claire’s loved ones without closure and casts doubt on the transparency and accountability of the healthcare system.
Seeking Justice for Claire
In the wake of Claire Shapling’s tragic passing, her friends, neighbors, and loved ones are determined to seek justice and answers for the baffling circumstances surrounding her death.
They demand accountability from the ambulance crew that declined to transport her to the hospital, transparency from Southend Hospital regarding the X-ray procedure and her admission records, and answers about whether the delay in proper stroke treatment played a role in her untimely death.
In a heartfelt statement, Claire’s close friend, Sarah Thompson, expressed her grief and determination to find out the truth: “Claire was full of life, and her sudden departure has left us all in shock. We owe it to her memory to get to the bottom of what happened.
‘We need to know whether the ambulance crew made the right call, why an X-ray was the first step in her treatment, and why there’s a discrepancy in the hospital’s records.”
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
The circumstances surrounding Claire Shapling’s death are undeniably troubling. The sequence of events, from her fall down the stairs to the ambulance’s decision not to transport her to the hospital, and the subsequent X-ray procedure at Southend Hospital, raises concerns about the appropriateness and timeliness of her medical care.
At a time when patients and their families rely on the healthcare system for their well-being and, at times, their very lives, such discrepancies are intolerable.
. In the family’s quest for justice, they shine a light on a broader need for a healthcare system that is accountable, transparent, and dedicated to the welfare of its patients.