February 12, 2001 17:08: THE family of a woman who died after a car accident asked at an inquest whether hospital staff gave the care she deserved.

Jean Black, 77, from Routs Green, Bledlow Ridge, suffered injuries after her Hyundai crashed into a tree in Chinnor Road, Bledlow Ridge, on August 24.

An inquest on Thursdayin High Wycombe heard consultant pathologist Dr Yoon Chia state Mrs Black suffered multiple injuries to the chest and abdomen.

She suffered five broken ribs and severe bruising to her face. The injuries were likely to have been caused by the force of her body against the seat belt. The cause of death, on September 3, was given as peritonitis. Coroner Richard Hulett recorded a verdict of accidental death.

Husband William Black, 74, asked why the post-mortem made no mention of injuries to his wife's neck, which he says took Wycombe Hospital two days to detect.

Dr Chia said an X-ray could determine that damage more clearly than a post-mortem could.

Son Andrew Black, 45, from Watford, said: "It was diagnosed somewhat later that there was a degree of fracture in the neck. Here we are trying to establish the cause of death. Would that be contributory to it?"

The pathologist said she would not have thought it was a contributory factor.

Andrew Black said: "A fractured neck. Would that affect one's physical well-being? It was never mentioned in your post-mortem report, however it appeared to us that part of the treatment caused my mother a fair bit of distress and was the start of her spiral downhill."

Dr Chia said: "It had a very insignificant effect on the cause of death."

William Black said: "What treatment did they give her when she was in there for nine days? It is a long time to be in hospital."

Dr Chia said it would be inappropriate to comment without careful consideration of the notes.

Andrew Black said: "I have a bit of disquiet about the treatment my mother received and I know my father has. What we wanted to ask people involved in the case is what was done and what could have been done."

A spokesman for South Bucks NHS Trust said: "South Buckinghamshire NHS Trust extends its sympathy to the family of Mrs Jean Black.

"The family has not raised any concerns with us about any aspect of Mrs Black's care. However, we would be happy to discuss any issues with them."

Caroline Oldfield