An inquest is set to probe possible hold-ups in the hospital transfer and admission of a young woman who it is believed died of sepsis. Bethan Amy James's inquest is set to look into how the 21-year-old woman came about her death and any delays in her treatment under Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
Bethan Amy James died within 48 hours of her admission to hospital. Her dad, former England cricketer turned esteemed sports journalist Steve James, was unable to get home and see his 21-year-old daughter before she died. He was in Ireland covering a Six Nations' game at the time and Steve's journey home was hindered due to the weather.
Today, a pre-inquest review hearing in Pontypridd, south Wales was told the medical cause of Bethan's death is likely sepsis. Now, an inquest, presided over by area coroner Patricia Morgan, will look into how Bethan came about her death. This will include her medical history, her care and treatment under Cardiff and Vale University Health Board between January 27 and February 9, 2020, and her transfer from home to hospital on February 8.
The inquest will also scrutinise potential delays related to her admission - firstly regarding her transfer to hospital via ambulance and secondly her admission into the hospital, Wales Online reports. During the pre-inquest review, the coroner discussed the necessary evidence and witnesses with representatives of Bethan's family, CAVUHB and the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust. Potential dates for the conclusion of the inquest were discussed, ranging from early to mid-2025, but no specific date was confirmed.
The Father's Heartbreak
After Bethan died on February 9, Steve paid tribute to her on Facebook. The former Glamorgan cricketer wrote: "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."
In a poignant admission from 2022, Steve confessed: "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."
The Inquest Details
The inquest, presided over by area coroner Patricia Morgan, will look into how Bethan came about her death. This will include her medical history, her care and treatment under Cardiff and Vale University Health Board between January 27 and February 9, 2020, and her transfer from home to hospital on February 8.
The inquest will also cover potential delays surrounding her admission - firstly in her transfer to hospital via ambulance and secondly in her admission into hospital. At the pre-inquest review the coroner discussed the required evidence and witnesses with representatives of Bethan's family, CAVUHB and the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust.
A Heart-wrenching Story
Bethan, the daughter of former Glamorgan and England cricketer Steve James, was just 21 when she died. Mr James, a highly respected sports journalist, was away covering Wales' Six Nations match in Ireland when his daughter was taken seriously ill, and due to weather delays was unable to get home and see her before she died.
Bethan was studying at the University of South Wales when she suddenly fell ill. Since retiring from cricket, Steve became a sports journalist and now frequently covers rugby and other sports. 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. She lived in Cardiff and was studying at university at the time.
In 2022 he 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."
The inquest will likely be concluded sometime in early to mid-2025. The investigation aims to provide answers and clarity for Bethan's family, while also shedding light on potential improvements in healthcare systems. Bethan's story serves as a reminder of the importance of timely medical attention and the devastating impact of preventable delays in care.
