An inquest into the death of a 60-year-old man following a bowel cancer operation at Maidstone Hospital has been adjourned.

Sunil Sinha suffered a massive heart attack in February last year, days after doctors removed a small tumour.

At the hearing which began at Archbishop's Palace yesterday the court heard from doctors and nurses involved in Mr Sinha's care, as well as statements from his family.

Evidence from doctors and nursing staff at the hospital in Hermitage Lane indicated that a pre-operation assessment had not picked up on aspects of Mr Sinha's health including his damaged lungs and family history of heart problems.

It also emerged nurses at the Pye Oliver Ward had not always carried out hourly monitoring as specified by Dr Peter Howes, who discovered Mr Sinha on the verge of suffering a cardiac arrest on the morning of Friday, February 6 last year.

Evidence continued to be heard today with Harry Trusted, representing the family, questioning witnesses on the care and monitoring of Mr Sinha in the lead up to his death.

Mr Trusted read from a serious incident report produced by Maidstone and Tonbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) which highlighted multiple problems relating to staffing and other issues at the Pye Oliver Ward.

However in light of information provided by witnesses, assistant coroner Kate Thomas decided to adjourn the inquest until April 13 to allow pathologist Dr David Rouse to give evidence on his findings.

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