A three-week inquest into the death of a 91-year-old woman begins today.

Kathleen (Kitty) Parkinson died at Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford, in the early hours of Sunday morning, back on January 9, 2011.

Given the seriousness of the case coroner Roger Hatch has appointed independent Counsel to the inquest, while the hospital and A&E staff are separately represented.

The hearing, at Gravesend Old Town hall will hear from 10 independent medical experts; including five pathologists.

Two independent experts in emergency medicine will be giving evidence, criticising the care received by Mrs Parkinson. One, instructed by the police, has already concluded that the standard of care given to Mrs Parkinson was grossly negligent.

Despite her age, Mrs Parkinson was said to be in excellent health prior to her admission to hospital, with no previous medical conditions.

She collapsed at home in the early hours of the morning of January 9 and her son discovered her.

He called an ambulance and she was taken to the hospital, but the family claim staff refused to treat her because of a Do Not Resuscitate Order (DNR) that neither she, nor the family imposed.

For the full story, see this week's Gravesend and Dartford Messenger's on Thursday.