Newlywed Author Hayley Hutchins Died After Sepsis and Complications Following Gallbladder Surgery

The death of author and newlywed Hayley Rachael Hutchins has been examined at an inquest after she developed serious complications following gallbladder surgery at Royal Oldham Hospital.

Hayley, aged 37, died at Royal Preston Hospital on September 2, 2025, after suffering multiple organ failure. The inquest heard that she had undergone surgery months earlier after being admitted to Royal Oldham Hospital with jaundice and serious illness.

Her family raised concerns about her treatment, communication with medical staff and the circumstances surrounding her discharge. The Northern Care Alliance, which runs Royal Oldham Hospital, later apologised to the family and identified recommendations following an investigation into her care.

Hayley Hutchins was admitted to hospital in March 2025

Hayley was admitted to Royal Oldham Hospital on March 23, 2025, after becoming jaundiced and unwell.

Doctors considered her to be at increased risk from surgery because of underlying health conditions and a high BMI. Despite these concerns, clinicians concluded that removing her gallbladder was the only available treatment option.

The operation was initially expected to be performed using keyhole surgery. However, complications during the procedure meant that surgeons had to convert it to open surgery.

Following the operation, Hayley was transferred to the intensive care unit for postoperative monitoring.

During her stay, she contracted both influenza and COVID-19. The inquest heard that these infections became a major focus for staff, while another important sign of potential complications was not given sufficient attention.

Concerns over fluid from a surgical drain

The inquest heard that Hayley was producing a large volume of fluid through her surgical drain after the operation.

Her mother, Julie, a retired senior nurse, told the hearing that members of the family repeatedly raised concerns about the amount of fluid being produced.

However, the inquest heard that staff developed what was described as "tunnel vision", concentrating on Hayley's influenza and COVID infections while her surgical complications were not identified quickly enough.

Hayley was eventually referred for an ERCP procedure. The treatment was intended to help address a bile duct problem by inserting a stent.

According to evidence heard at the inquest, the referral came 12 days after surgery, although such a procedure would normally be expected within seven days in circumstances such as these.

The first stent was incorrectly positioned. A second ERCP procedure was subsequently performed on April 14 to correct the problem.

After the second procedure, Hayley's infection markers began to fall, suggesting that her condition was initially improving.

Hayley was discharged despite being frail

On May 23, Hayley was considered medically suitable for discharge.

She returned to the bungalow she shared with her husband Andrew in Woodplumpton, Lancashire. However, the inquest heard that she remained extremely unwell and had become frail and had lost significant mobility during her hospital stay.

Her family had concerns about her condition and the level of support available following discharge.

The coroner later heard evidence that there was no clinical requirement for Hayley to remain in the hospital infirmary. However, concerns were also raised about the lack of advice and safety-netting given to the family when she left hospital.

Safety-netting generally involves explaining which symptoms should prompt a patient or their relatives to seek further medical assistance after discharge.

Hayley collapsed and was found to be in septic shock

On June 21, nearly a month after leaving Royal Oldham Hospital, Hayley collapsed at home.

An ambulance took her to Royal Preston Hospital, where doctors found that she was suffering from septic shock and organ failure.

She was admitted to intensive care, where medical teams worked to stabilise her condition.

Another ERCP procedure was carried out. This time, doctors found that the stent was correctly positioned but had become blocked by debris.

Hayley's condition remained serious. She stayed in intensive care until July 17, when her care was stepped down to a ward.

Although she initially made a slow and steady recovery, her health deteriorated sharply again on August 24. She was transferred back to intensive care as her organs continued to fail.

Hayley died on September 2, 2025.

Inquest examines whether sepsis contributed to her death

A postmortem examination found that Hayley died from multiple organ failure caused by dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition.

The evidence also showed that biliary sepsis contributed to her death.

Her family questioned whether she may have been discharged from Royal Oldham Hospital while suffering from an infection that eventually contributed to her death.

However, medical experts told the inquest that the deterioration seen when Hayley was admitted to Royal Preston Hospital was likely to have represented a new episode of biliary sepsis.

The coroner concluded that the evidence did not establish that Hayley had been discharged with the same sepsis that later caused her serious deterioration.

At the same time, the inquest heard that delays in treating the bile duct problem had allowed biliary sepsis to continue and had reduced Hayley's physiological reserve.

The coroner said this reduced reserve may have made it harder for Hayley to fight the later infection.

Coroner criticises aspects of Hayley's hospital experience

Area coroner for Lancashire Kate Bissett said Hayley's family had experienced a deeply traumatic ordeal.

She described Hayley as a talented, creative and determined woman whose death was a terrible tragedy for those who knew and loved her.

The coroner also acknowledged the family's concerns about the standard of nursing care and communication at Royal Oldham Hospital.

Hayley's mother told the inquest that family members had remained by her bedside around the clock because they were so concerned about the care she was receiving.

The coroner said the law limited the matters she could formally determine at the inquest, but she made clear that the family's concerns had been heard.

She also accepted evidence that communication between the hospital and the family had fallen below the standard they were entitled to expect.

The family said Hayley was discharged in very poor condition without sufficient advice about what they should watch for after returning home.

Hayley's husband and her passion for writing

Away from her medical treatment, Hayley was remembered as a passionate writer who had overcome difficulties with dyslexia.

She wrote several novels and completed a master's degree in creative writing. She had hoped to continue her education to PhD level.

Her most recent work was a steampunk novel, reflecting an interest in imaginative and creative storytelling.

In 2024, Hayley married her husband Andrew at a steampunk-themed wedding held at the Preston Marriott Hotel.

Her family described a woman who was deeply loved and whose death left them devastated.

Hospital trust apologises to Hayley's family

During the inquest, Dr Muhammed Iftikhar apologised to Hayley's family.

The Northern Care Alliance also carried out an investigation into her treatment and identified recommendations intended to improve patient care.

The coroner said her findings would be shared with the area coroner responsible for Oldham. This was intended to ensure that Hayley's case and the concerns raised during the inquest were known more widely, particularly if similar issues emerged in future cases.

The inquest ultimately recorded a narrative conclusion.

It found that Hayley died as a consequence of dilated cardiomyopathy, with biliary sepsis contributing to and hastening her death.

The findings provide a complex picture of Hayley's final months. The evidence did not establish that different treatment would definitely have prevented her death. However, the coroner accepted that delays in addressing her bile duct problems contributed to continuing biliary sepsis and reduced her physiological reserve.

For her family, the inquest also brought attention to concerns about communication, nursing care and the support provided after discharge.

Hayley's story highlights the seriousness of complications that can follow major surgery and the importance of recognising changing symptoms during recovery. It also demonstrates why clear communication between medical teams, patients and relatives can be critical when a patient remains seriously unwell after an operation.

Disclaimer

This article is not an independent investigation and should not be treated as medical, legal or professional advice. Details and conclusions reflect the information reported in the supplied source material and the evidence described from the inquest. Readers should refer to official records or reputable news sources for further verification.