Concerns raised about former West Bromwich Albion player Kevin Campbell’s hospital care, inquest finds

Mr Campbell, who played for West Bromwich Albion in 2005-06, died aged 54 at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) on June 15 after being admitted there a month earlier.

Opening an inquest into his death, Zak Golombek, coroner for Manchester, said the University of Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, had declared a level 5 security incident – the most serious category – over aspects his care.

He said the provisional cause of death given for Mr Campbell was multi-organ failure due to a heart infection.

No family members were present at Manchester Coroner’s Court as Mr Golombek outlined the basic details.

Mr Golombek said: “In relation to the circumstances of his death, he was admitted to Manchester Royal Infirmary on 15 May 2024.

“He was reported to be fit and well until around January 2024 when he had a series of hospital admissions before this final admission.

“I have been made aware that the University of Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Manchester Royal Infirmary, has declared a Level 5 incident in relation to aspects of Mr Campbell’s care, referring to both a delay in aspects of his care and diagnosis, as well as to the concerns raised. on the decision-making processes regarding palliative care institutions.

“These matters are now subject to internal investigations by the hospital trust.

“I can therefore direct that further evidence should be obtained, which should include the inquest report, together with associated witness statements from all relevant clinicians involved in Mr Campbell’s care and also obtain a statement from relatives close relatives of Mr. Campbell, to provide a background history for Mr. Campbell and to address any concerns the family may have had about his care.

“I have also received notification from the trust that a medical cause of death may be provided and will therefore consider the evidence of clinicians involved in Mr Campbell’s care as to the cause of his death.

“The provisional cause of death, as it stands, relates to Mr Campbell’s death from multi-organ failure as a result of infective endocarditis.

“Therefore, final determinations regarding the medical cause of death and the care given to Mr. Campbell will be made as part of the inquest process.

“I will adjourn the proceedings to await further disclosure.”

No date has been set for a new hearing.

According to the NHS website, endocarditis is a rare and potentially fatal infection of the inner lining of the heart and is most commonly caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream and traveling to the heart.

Campbell scored 59 goals in 224 games for Arsenal and, in addition to the 1990/91 league title, also won the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup at Highbury.

He spent three years at Nottingham Forest after joining them in 1995 and had a season-long spell at Trabzonspor in Turkey before moving to Everton in 1999.

He remained at Everton until 2005, where he spent time as captain under Walter Smith and finished his career with spells at West Brom and Cardiff.

Mr Campbell worked in the media after his playing career and was a member of the Black Footballers Partnership, which works to increase the voice and influence of black footballers.