Kevin Campbell, the former Everton and Arsenal footballer, tragically passed away at the age of 54 in June last year, after a rapid and severe decline in his health.
Despite numerous medical challenges in the months leading up to his death, a recent inquest has concluded that the hospital where he was treated could not have done anything more to save him, even though there were issues in how his condition was handled.
Rapid Health Decline Following Strokes and Heart Issues
Campbell’s health deteriorated drastically over a period of just a few months, with his weight dropping by an alarming 10 stone between January and May last year.
His decline was primarily due to a rare heart infection that the hospital admitted should have been detected earlier.
Doctors at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) missed the signs, and the consultant physician, Professor Peter Shelby, noted that there should have been more curiosity in examining Campbell’s sudden health decline.
Professor Shelby emphasized that there was a lack of investigation into Campbell’s rapid weight loss, which went from 19 stone in January to barely 9 stone by the time he was readmitted to the hospital.
The situation raised concerns about how such an unexpected drop in health was not further explored, given Campbell’s previously excellent physical condition.
A Sudden and Severe Illness
As the inquest hearing painted a picture of Campbell’s final months, it became clear that his condition was far more complicated than initially thought.
In addition to the heart infection, Campbell had suffered two strokes, and his kidneys and liver were in severe failure.
His final blood test revealed an undiagnosed infection of the heart valve, known as endocarditis, which ultimately contributed to his death.
However, the coroner confirmed that identifying this infection earlier would not have changed the outcome, as the surgery required was far too risky given his fragile state.
Professor Shelby explained that endocarditis would have required open-heart surgery, a procedure that Campbell’s body would not have been strong enough to withstand.
Despite this, the late discovery of the infection remains a key point of the inquest, highlighting the missed opportunity to detect it sooner.
Medical Oversight and the Question of Treatment
The first signs of Campbell’s severe health issues were detected in January, when he suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot on his heart.
Following this, his kidneys began to fail, and he showed signs of liver damage.
Although doctors initially suspected a viral infection, tests ruled that out.
Campbell’s physical fitness at the time allowed him to survive longer than many others would have, and his recovery seemed promising after dialysis treatment in early March.
Despite his apparent improvement, Campbell’s health rapidly worsened again after a visit to a cardiology clinic.
This time, the infection in his heart valve was discovered, but by then, his condition had become too dire for any further treatment.
The medical team considered other options but ultimately decided to focus on palliative care.
A Life Remembered and a Family’s Pain
Throughout the inquest, Campbell’s family, including his sister Lorna, questioned the decisions made during his treatment.
She particularly raised concerns about his discharge from the hospital without a proper care package, especially since he lived alone.
The hospital responded by explaining that the inquest was only concerned with the cause of death and did not address broader care decisions.
After his death, a ‘critical incident’ investigation was triggered at MRI, but this was later downgraded to a level 2 inquiry, meaning the hospital found no evidence that any oversight contributed to Campbell’s death.
The coroner confirmed that although there was a delay in diagnosing the endocarditis, it was ultimately not a factor in his death.
The inquest concluded that Kevin Campbell died from natural causes, and despite the missed diagnosis of the heart infection, it was not deemed contributory to his passing.
The family, though devastated, now has some clarity on the tragic sequence of events that led to the loss of the former football star.