Lady Joan's death linked to lack of medication

A private hospital failed to give 80‑year‑old Lady Joan Branson prophylactic anticoagulants after a fall and period of immobility, and the coroner found that omission likely contributed to a fatal pulmonary embolism.
Lady Joan — the wife of Sir Richard Branson — died on 24 November after being admitted to the Lister Hospital on 17 November; her death has drawn public attention because of the high‑profile family.
The coroner said it was “not a case of neglect,” but noted a missed bleeding‑risk assessment and the admitting doctor later reflected on the need for better team communication and procedures.