The death of former England cricket star Steve James’ daughter is set to be investigated over concerns about hospital delays in the days before she died from suspected sepsis.
Bethan James, 21, tragically died on February 9 2020 – a day after she was taken ill.
She lived in Cardiff and was studying at university at the time. The 21-year-old had undergone a bowel operation at a young age and was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease the year before her death.
An inquest heard that the investigation will look into possible delays in her medical care – including her transfer by ambulance to hospital as well as her admission to hospital itself.
Mr James, who is a former Glamorgan and England batsman, has spoken of his heartbreak at losing Bethan and being unable to get home before she passed away.
Bethan James (pictured), 21, tragically died on February 9 2020 – a day after she was taken ill from a suspected case of sepsis
Bethan with her father former Glamorgan and England batsman Steve James. Mr James has spoken of his heartbreak at losing Bethan and being unable to get home before she passed away
The cricketer turned rugby writer was away covering the Wales versus Ireland Six Nations match when Bethan became unwell.
Mr James previously said: ‘When I left, I didn’t actually go up and see Bethan, I shouted to her and said ‘goodbye’ from downstairs. The next time I see her she’s lying dead in a hospital. That’s something that’s going to stay with me for the rest of my life.
‘I’m driving back along the M4 and then eventually I get a call from Jane saying Bethan’s gone and a nurse comes on to tell me to pull over because I’m obviously in no state [to drive].’
Mr James previously said: ‘When I left, I didn’t actually go up and see Bethan, I shouted to her and said ‘goodbye’ from downstairs. The next time I see her she’s lying dead in a hospital. That’s something that’s going to stay with me for the rest of my life’
‘So, I pull over, I’m sick on the side of the road and I wish I’d been here.’
Following her death, Mr James tweeted: ‘We have the most indescribably devastating news that our beautiful daughter Bethan suddenly passed away on Saturday evening. Our hearts are broken. She was the most wonderfully caring and kind daughter and sister to Rhys.’
Coroner Patricia Morgan told the Pontypridd hearing the full inquest will look into how Bethan came about her death.
It will include her medical history as well as her care treatment under Cardiff and Vale University Health Board in the two weeks leading up to her death.
No date was set for the full hearing to take place.
