Darley Dale teenager died after contracting infection

Chesterfield coroner’s court heard how Stuart Dick, of Whitworth Road, Darley Dale, died on April 11 last year in Chesterfield Royal Hospital after contracting an infection following surgery.

Speaking at the inquest, Peter Goodfellow, a consultant general surgeon at the hospital, said: “Stuart was a lovely young man to treat.”

The apprentice electrician had Crohn’s disease, which causes inflammation of the lining of the digestive system.

In May 2012, he underwent an emergency operation to remove his colon, leaving the rectum behind, and creating a stoma. On April 2, 2013, he had another operation to reverse the procedure.

Mr Goodfellow said that the operation initially appeared to have been very successful, however later a leak was discovered in his bowel. He underwent a further operation and was given antibiotics to combat an infection, however his blood pressure and pulse were unstable.

Mr Goodfellow added: “His temperature continued to rise to above 42 degrees Celsius.”

At 2.20am on April 11 2013, the teenager’s heart stopped.

“He was given resuscitation at the time but that was unsuccessful,” Mr Goodfellow said.

Stuart’s father Stephen Dick said: “We appreciate the efforts of Mr Goodfellow in making his life easier.”

His mother Sandra Dick added: “He was a beautiful lad and he was determined to do what he could. He is greatly missed.”

Assistant coroner Paul McCandless commended his parents for their bravery. He recorded a narrative verdict, which was as follows: “Stuart John Dick died on April 11, 2013, at Chesterfield Royal Hospital from a rare but recognised complication of surgery, which he had acquired in relation to the effects of his underlying Crohn’s disease.”

The cause of death was given as an infection and intestinal problems with Crohn’s disease as a contributing factor.