Fiancé Dies Hours Before Wedding After Shocking NHS Failures
Andy Shewan was set to marry his lifelong love June Richards in January 2019 after 40 years together. But tragedy struck days before their big day.
On 6 January, Andy—who had underlying health issues—felt unwell and was rushed to Whipps Cross Hospital’s A&E. Staff assured the couple Andy would soon be home and that the wedding could still go ahead. Instead, his condition spiralled.
Andy was moved to the Acute Assessment Unit where he suffered a cardiac arrest that evening. He died the following day, leaving June heartbroken.
Parliamentary Watchdog Blasts Hospital for ‘Multiple Failings’
The Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman (PHSO) investigated and ruled Andy’s death was avoidable due to numerous care failures at Whipps Cross, part of Barts Health NHS Trust.
June, 80, said: “I feel very sad and very angry about it. It’s been three years and I still can’t stop crying. He died in pain and on his own. It’s so sad, I didn’t get to say goodbye to him because I thought he would be coming home. “We used to say, ‘aren’t we a lovely little family, you, me and Lily’—our dog. Now, I sit here and think ‘I’ve lost Andy’. “His death was avoidable; he could’ve still been here. They’ve taken such a lot from me that no one can give me back.”
Shocking Details of NHS Blunders
- Andy’s worsening condition was ignored by staff
- He was left alone for over an hour while critically ill
- The emergency clinician alarm was delayed by 25 minutes and the clinician who responded was too junior and inactive
- June wasn’t contacted in time to say goodbye
- The hospital failed to hold staff accountable after Andy’s death
- Investigation reports were delayed with half-hearted apologies and no real action plan
“Andy was so caring and gentle. People used to say, ‘aren’t you lucky to have him?’ And I’d say yes, then he’d say he was lucky to have me,” June added. “I live near the cemetery where Andy is, and I still talk to him every day. This has taken his life and ruined mine.”
Ombudsman Demands Urgent NHS Overhaul
Ombudsman Rob Behrens called it a “heart-breaking case” and said the failings caused “profound distress” to June.
The PHSO demanded the hospital:
- Write a formal apology to June
- Pay her £10,000 compensation for the distress
- Implement a robust action plan to prevent future tragedies
Whipps Cross Hospital Chief Exec Ralph Coulbeck said:
“We are deeply sorry for the serious failings in care provided to Mr Andrew Shewan and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. We apologised unreservedly to Ms June Richards, paid the full compensation recommended by the Ombudsman, and took steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
A wedding that should have been a joyous celebration ended in heartbreak. The watchdog’s ruling lays bare critical NHS failings that robbed Andy of life and June of her future.
