Coroner Finds Lister Hospital Failed to Prevent Lady Joan Branson’s Death

Westminster Coroner’s Court ruled on Wednesday that the private Lister Hospital in Chelsea failed to provide life-saving blood-thinning medication to Lady Joan Branson, 80, wife of Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson. Senior coroner Professor Fiona Wilcox concluded that the lack of prophylactic anticoagulants probably caused or contributed to her death from a pulmonary embolism on November 24, 2025. The hospital is owned and operated by HCA Healthcare.

What the coroner found

Lady Branson was admitted to Lister Hospital on November 17, 2025, after fracturing her pelvis and right hip in a fall on Necker Island weeks earlier. Despite being at extremely high risk of blood clots due to her immobility and fractures, she received no prophylactic anticoagulation from admission until her death seven days later. Admitting doctor Dr Basir Kunduzi failed to complete a bleeding risk assessment on the day she arrived, the inquest heard.

Why the medication mattered

Haematologist Dr George Adams told the court that anticoagulants would probably have prevented her death. He stated that prophylactic anticoagulation reduces both the number and size of blood clots. Lady Branson had a history of blood clots dating to 2010 and had received anti-clotting injections during previous flights and hospital stays, making the omission more significant.

The coroner’s conclusion

Professor Wilcox stated: “I do find her death would have likely been prevented and the lack of anticoagulation did cause or contribute to her death probably.” She stressed the case was not neglect and there was not an overall absence of treatment. The coroner described Lady Branson as a wonderful woman who was unfailingly kind. Dr Kunduzi told the court her death prompted him to reflect on his role as a doctor and the importance of good communication between team members.

What happens next

The inquest findings do not trigger automatic legal action against the hospital, but the coroner’s determination creates a record that may inform future complaints or regulatory reviews. HCA Healthcare, which operates Lister Hospital, has not publicly commented on the ruling. The case highlights risks in private hospital care pathways for post-fracture patients.

Final Thoughts

The coroner’s ruling establishes that preventative medication would likely have saved Lady Branson’s life. For patients admitted to private hospitals after fractures, the case underscores the importance of explicit risk assessments and clear communication between medical teams about anticoagulation protocols.

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