Statement regarding Alesha Thomas

Following Wednesday’s coroner’s inquest into the death of Alesha Thomas, Marie Stopes International issued the following statement:

“All the staff at Marie Stopes International were deeply saddened to learn of Alesha's tragic death. We wish to extend our sympathies to Alesha's family and recognise that this has inevitably been a difficult and distressing process for them and for all involved.

Marie Stopes International is grateful to the Coroner for giving Alesha's family an opportunity to obtain answers to their questions.

At the inquest, the Coroner accepted evidence by a pathologist that the termination acted as a focus for a very rare infection to develop. Press reports have indicated that Marie Stopes International's clients frequently leave their centres without the medication which has been prescribed for them. In fact that is not the case and Marie Stopes International strongly refute that suggestion.

Marie Stopes International is concerned by the Coroner's finding about the cause of Miss Thomas's death as there was insufficient evidence to support that finding. Marie Stopes International intends to obtain advice from an expert microbiologist.

Marie Stopes International is confident that their nurses acted appropriately and did everything which they could have done. The doctor concerned is no longer involved with any of Marie Stopes International's centres.

Our first concern is always the support and care of our clients and we aim to ensure that they receive the highest possible standards of advice, treatment and aftercare. We will look closely at the Coroner’s comments and take further steps, as appropriate, to address any areas of concern that have been identified.

Marie Stopes International is the UK’s leading independent provider of sexual and reproductive healthcare services. Our nationwide network of centres sees over 100,000 men and women each year who come to us for information, advice and professional care. We are committed to providing all the help that our clients need to make informed choices about their health.”

Further Information:
Tony Kerridge: 07748 948037
Emily James: 020 7034 2365

Categories: United Kingdom; Europe

27/03/2009

Statement regarding Alesha Thomas

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