A tragic incident has left a community in mourning after a 34-year-old woman passed away following a visit to the hospital for a toothache. Leigh Rodgers had been enduring excruciating tooth pain for approximately two weeks before seeking medical help. On March 7, 2024, Leigh was transported to the University Hospital of North Durham via ambulance, where she was evaluated for a tooth abscess. Despite taking painkillers that offered no relief, Leigh had attempted to secure a dentist appointment to no avail. Her dedicated partner shared that they decided to call for an ambulance when the pain became unbearable, and they were informed at the hospital that while it was a dental issue, medical staff could help manage the pain.
Upon assessments at the hospital, doctors determined that Leigh required a CT scan to rule out the possibility of a life-threatening bacterial infection. During the scan, she was administered an iodine-based dye, which tragically caused Leigh to experience an anaphylactic shock while still inside the machine. Despite the medical team’s best efforts to resuscitate her, Leigh could not be revived and was pronounced dead. The post-mortem examination confirmed that her passing was a result of a severe allergic reaction to the dye used during the scan. Dr. Oliver Moore, a consultant in emergency medicine at the University Hospital of North Durham, expressed that while adverse reactions to CT scans are known risks, this was a highly uncommon occurrence in his practice, and treatment was promptly administered.
Crispin Oliver, the senior assistant coroner for County Durham and Darlington, officially determined Leigh’s cause of death as anaphylaxis due to the allergic reaction. He described the circumstances surrounding her passing as extremely unfortunate and uncommon. Leigh’s partner, Darren, recounted the distressing moment when medical staff rushed into the room during the scan, and the devastating news of her reaction was revealed. The loss of Leigh serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of medical procedures and the potential risks involved, even in seemingly routine examinations.
The heartbreaking incident has prompted discussions around the importance of being vigilant about potential allergic reactions and the critical need for healthcare providers to closely monitor patients during diagnostic procedures. The community has come together to offer support and condolences to Leigh’s family and loved ones during this challenging time. As investigations continue into the sequence of events that led to Leigh’s tragic demise, medical professionals emphasise the significance of informed consent and thorough assessments to minimise risks associated with medical interventions. The unexpected loss of Leigh has left a profound impact, highlighting the fragility of life and the necessity of prioritising patient safety in all healthcare settings.