Debra O’Regan, 67, suffered catastrophic brain injuries after repeated problems with a tracheostomy tube used to help her breathe while being treated for Guillain-Barré syndrome at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Debra O'Regan's treatment was complicated by obesity (Image: Muchloved)

Doctors told at inquest at Norfolk Coroner’s Court that her obesity made crucial airway procedures significantly more challenging, ultimately contributing to complications that proved fatal.

Dr Darcy Pearson, clinical director for intensive care at the hospital, became visibly emotional while giving evidence about the case.

Fighting back tears, he told the court he remained troubled by Mrs O’Regan’s death because he believed there was nothing more he or his colleagues could have done to save her.

“It was extremely frustrating for us because our technical ability failed on a recurrent basis,” he said. “If I were given the same patient again, there is nothing I could have done differently. That is very unnerving.”

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (Image: Newsquest)

The investigation into Mrs O’Regan’s death shone a spotlight on the growing challenges facing emergency and intensive care specialists treating severely obese patients, where excess tissue can make life-saving procedures significantly more complex and increase the risk of complications.

Mrs O’Regan’s husband, Dennis, described his wife of almost 50 years as his soulmate in a statement read to the court.

“She was all about family, a perfect mother and loving grandmother. She was loving and caring and always there to provide advice and support.”

The court heard Mrs O’Regan, a former teaching assistant, had enjoyed a family holiday to Palma in August last year and remained active despite previous hip and knee replacements.

She returned home and remained her normal self until the morning of September 4.

Mr O’Regan recalled waking early before his wife came downstairs at around 8am complaining that her legs felt unusually heavy.

Only days........

© Norwich Evening News