A Westminster Coroner’s Court inquest has concluded that the failure of a private London hospital to administer preventative medication likely contributed to the death of Lady Joan Branson, the 80-year-old wife of billionaire Sir Richard Branson.
Senior coroner Professor Fiona Wilcox ruled on Wednesday that Lady Joan’s death on 24 November 2023 was caused by a pulmonary embolism, which stemmed from deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The coroner stated that the lack of prophylactic anticoagulants—medication to prevent blood clots—at the private Lister Hospital in Chelsea likely prevented her death from being avoided.
Key findings from the inquest
Lady Joan was admitted to the Lister Hospital on 17 November 2023 following a fall weeks earlier at the Bransons’ private Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. She suffered pelvis and right hip fractures from the fall, which left her immobile. Medical experts testified that she was at an extremely high risk of developing blood clots due to her immobility and prior history of clots.
Despite this, no prophylactic anticoagulation was administered during her hospital stay. Dr. Basir Kunduzi, the admitting doctor, did not complete a bleeding risk assessment on the day of her admission. Haematologist Dr. George Adams confirmed that Lady Joan’s risk factors—including her immobility and fracture—made her a prime candidate for preventative treatment.
Medical background and family statements
Lady Joan had a history of blood clots dating back to 2010 and had previously received anti-clotting injections during flights and hospital stays. Her daughter, Dr. Holly Branson, who is also a medical professional, submitted a statement to the court stating she did not accept that her mother refused the medication. The coroner noted that Lady Joan was accustomed to anticoagulant injections and had no prior difficulty with them.
In her conclusion, Professor Wilcox stated that while the death was not a case of neglect, the lack of anticoagulation did cause or contribute to her death. She emphasized that the hospital’s failure to provide preventative care was a direct factor in the fatal outcome.
Hospital response and family reaction
Following the inquest, Dr. Kunduzi reflected on his role as a doctor and the importance of communication between medical teams. Sir Richard Branson described his wife as the “shining star around which our family’s universe has always orbited.”
The Lister Hospital, operated by HCA Healthcare, has not issued a public statement in response to the coroner’s findings.
Broader implications for hospital protocols
The inquest raised questions about standard protocols for high-risk patients in private healthcare settings. Medical experts noted that prophylactic anticoagulation is a widely accepted preventative measure for patients with similar risk factors, including immobility and recent fractures. The case may prompt reviews of hospital policies on blood clot prevention in similar facilities.
Timeline of key events
- Early November 2023: Lady Joan falls at Necker Island, sustaining pelvis and hip fractures.
- 17 November 2023: Admitted to Lister Hospital in London for persistent pain.
- 24 November 2023: Dies from a pulmonary embolism caused by deep vein thrombosis.
- Wednesday, [Date]: Westminster Coroner’s Court delivers inquest findings.