In a tragic turn of events, 61-year-old Terry Grainger passed away on February 10, 2024, just eight days after having heart surgery at the privately-operated Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, Stockport.

After suffering from chest pain for several months, Mr. Grainger underwent a quadruple heart bypass on February 2. Following an inquest at Stockport Coroners' Court, a coroner has now recorded a narrative conclusion regarding his death.

His widow, 54-year-old Karen Grainger, paid a heartfelt tribute, stating, "He was my rock, my soulmate and best friend." She highlighted the love surrounding him, noting the attendance of around 300 people at his funeral.

Initially, Mr. Grainger seemed to be recovering well. However, complications arose as he began to experience shortness of breath. Medical scans later revealed a concerning build-up of fluid around his lungs.

A chest drain was inserted on February 9 and was reported by coroner Christopher Morris to be functioning as expected. Mr. Grainger mentioned feeling like he was "pressing the reset button on life." Yet, after the chest drain was removed the following morning, his condition began to decline.

Following an X-ray, which was deemed a standard procedure, the medical team was alarmed by Mr. Grainger's considerable pain. The X-ray indicated internal bleeding, leading to his transfer to the intensive care unit. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated rapidly, and he suffered a cardiac arrest.

Attempts to resuscitate Mr. Grainger were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at 12:55 PM on February 10. The coroner noted that the chest drain might have concealed the bleeding, a known risk associated with such procedures.

Coroner Morris indicated he would be issuing a 'prevention of future deaths' report concerning the hospital's electronic record-keeping protocols.

After the inquest, Mrs. Grainger shared her deep sorrow: "The day Terry died, half of me died with him." She expressed the couple's aspirations for their future, which were now shattered. "Facing each day is a challenge without Terry, and it's difficult not to feel angry about losing him at such a young age," she said.

Shahin Master, a lawyer representing Mrs. Grainger, remarked, "Nothing will make up for the pain the family continues to face, but we are pleased to have secured the answers they deserve during this difficult time."

A spokesperson from The Alexandra Hospital extended condolences to the Grainger family, asserting that the coroner concluded the treatment was appropriate, while also acknowledging their commitment to address the findings related to record keeping.