HMP Liverpool asthma death inmate's care criticised by doctor
- Published
Ashley Gill was transferred to HMP Liverpool a month before his death
A prison doctor had criticised the care of an inmate who died of an asthma attack in jail, an inquest heard.
Ashley Gill, 29, from North Wales, suffered the attack in his cell at HMP Liverpool on 29 April 2015 - a few days before his release date.
Prison doctor Jane Kevern told the jury at Liverpool Coroner's Court, Gill's death was the most distressing situation of her life.
The 29-year-old had suffered from chronic asthma since childhood.
The court heard he was admitted to hospital on two occasions while at Forest Bank Prison in Greater Manchester before being transferred to HMP Liverpool a month before his death.
Dr Kevern recalled how information was missing from his medical records when she viewed them on 2 April 2015.
She said she asked an administrator to contact Forest Bank prison and send his updated records, but confirmed she was never told whether the information was sent.
Struggling to breathe
The doctor first met Gill on 29 April after he told a nurse he had not received the inhaler he needed.
Dr Kevern said it was clear his condition had deteriorated over four weeks and she treated him with a nebuliser and a dose of steroids.
She returned to his cell less than an hour later to find him with his face up against the glass window in the door, struggling to breathe.
The doctor said he told her he had rung the emergency call bell for 25 minutes but no one had come.
She described how his colour changed rapidly and she knew he was dying.
'Acute stress situation'
Questioned by a barrister representing Gill's family, she confirmed that at the time she was very critical of his healthcare.
However, she added that her comments were down to an "acute stress reaction" after the most distressing situation in her life.
"It was out of character for me to shout," she said.
"I was hyperventilating, pacing up and down the room and I completely lost control."
The hearing continues.