Matt and Jon Halifax say their father, Antony Halifax - who was affectionately called Tony - was left without vital medication after being caught between the hospital and his GP when trying to obtain a repeat prescription.

The 66-year-old collapsed and died at his home in Dussindale, on the outskirts of Norwich, on March 9 last year after suffering a pulmonary embolism - a blood clot that travelled to his lungs.

Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (Image: Newsquest)

An inquest heard HGV driver Tony had been prescribed the blood-thinning medication apixaban after doctors at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital (N&N) discovered he had developed deep vein thrombosis following brain surgery.

But after running out of the medication just three weeks into a three month course, his family say their desperate attempts to obtain a repeat prescription were met with confusion over who was responsible for issuing it.

They now say a single shared patient record between primary and secondary care could prevent other families experiencing the same ordeal.

Speaking on behalf of the family following an investigation at Norfolk Coroner's Court, Matt said: “We think improved communication between primary and secondary care is vital.

“Neither the doctors nor the hospital seemed willing to chase the prescription.

“It was putting more pressure on Dad having to chase medication on the phone and online but it still never came.

"Of course we will always wonder if he would still be here now had he got the drugs he'd been prescribed."

Tony, who was born in Malta on August 28, 1958, was the husband of Caroline Halifax and lived with his family at Mary Chapman Close.

Norfolk Coroners Court at County Hall in Norwich. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The inquest heard he had been in good health until November 2024, when he suffered a seizure and was rushed to hospital.

Tests later........

© Norwich Evening News