A woman went to the hospital for investigations, but found out that she was already dead. And the trouble kept coming

A woman who went to hospital for an ultrasound she had been scheduled for months before was stunned to find out she was “dead” and is now demanding an explanation for the confusion that has messed up her life.

Staff at a hospital in Bridlington, England, told Susan Johnson that, according to their records, she had been dead for four months. Of course, Susan was no longer able to have the ultrasound, but the confusion caused her even greater inconvenience, such as the cancellation of her disabled husband’s carer’s allowance, according to the BBC.

The National Health Service in England said it was aware of the problems involved in incorrect death registration. In Susan’s case, the problem was later rectified by the GP.

Susan Johnson, of Scarborough, attended the hospital for her ultrasound appointment in March 2023. “I gave them the referral and their first words were, ‘Oh, but you’re dead.’ I couldn’t believe it. I was in shock. Then they filled something in the computer and said ‘bye'”said the woman.

When she got home, her husband suggested she contact her family doctor. He informed him that there had been a confusion, but that the situation had been rectified in the meantime.

But when she contacted the Department for Work and Pensions, Susan was told the same thing as at the hospital: “I see on the computer that you’re dead.”

“I said I wasn’t dead since they were talking to me,” said the woman.

Because of the mistake, the income of the woman, who is a pensioner, was suspended and it took time for the situation to be rectified. But Susan still doesn’t know how the mistake was made and who is responsible for all her troubles.

Her GP explained that he had received an email with a notice from Primary Care Support England (PCSE) informing him that Susan needed to be removed from the records. But the PCSE says it was not involved in the issue and is not responsible for registering deaths, which is the responsibility of GPs. He said that that email was most likely sent automatically.

The retirement home confirmed that her benefits were briefly suspended following the incorrect notification, but that they were immediately reinstated.

It remains unclear who was responsible for sending the email about her removal from the records and who further informed the retirement home.

Susan, who has overcome the moment and is now at peace after a stressful period caused by the situation, says she wants answers. “I need to find out why it happened, how and who was at fault”she said.

Publisher: DC

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