Lady Joan Templeman, the wife of Sir Richard Branson, sadly passed away in November 2025 following a cardiac arrest at The Lister Hospital in Chelsea, West London, which is owned and operated by HCA Healthcare. An inquest has concluded that her death was caused by a pulmonary embolism arising from deep vein thrombosis.

According to the inquest, Lady Joan had been admitted on 17 November 2025 after a fall several weeks earlier in the Caribbean, during which she sustained fractures to her right hip and pelvis and experienced reduced mobility during her recovery.

The coroner’s findings recorded that she did not receive prophylactic anticoagulation despite a heightened risk of blood clots. The coroner concluded that her death would likely have been prevented and that the lack of anticoagulation did cause or contribute to her death. The inquest also identified that no immediate venous thromboembolism risk assessment was performed. In evidence reported to the inquest, her daughter said that Lady Joan did not have thrombo-embolic deterrent stockings.

We extend our sincere condolences to Lady Joan’s family. The circumstances described at the inquest are distressing and raise important questions about VTE risk identification and prevention in hospital settings.

What are DVT and PE?

Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that typically forms in the deep veins of the leg or pelvis. If part of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which can be rapidly life‑threatening. Reduced mobility after fractures, especially of the hip or pelvis, is widely recognised as a factor that increases the risk of DVT because sluggish blood flow and tissue injury can promote clot formation.

Why immobility after fractures increases clot risk

After a significant fall with fractures, patients are often less mobile due to pain, bracing, or surgical recovery. Immobility slows venous return in the legs and pelvis. When combined with tissue trauma and any underlying risk factors, this creates a higher likelihood of clot formation. Prompt assessment and, where appropriate, timely prophylaxis can reduce the risk of DVT and PE.

What is a VTE risk assessment and prophylaxis?

A venous thromboembolism risk assessment is a structured review of a patient’s clotting and bleeding risks on admission and at key points during their stay. In general terms, VTE prophylaxis may include anticoagulant medicines when safe to give, and mechanical measures such as properly fitted thrombo‑embolic deterrent stockings or intermittent pneumatic compression devices. Early mobilisation and hydration are also common supportive measures. The precise approach should be tailored to the individual’s clinical profile, weighing clot risk against bleeding risk.

Could this be medical negligence?

Inquests are fact‑finding hearings that do not determine liability, but their findings may inform potential clinical negligence claims. In broad terms, a claimant in a clinical negligence case must establish four elements: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. Hospital clinicians owe a duty of care to their patients. A breach may be alleged where the care falls below a reasonable standard; for example if a VTE risk assessment is not undertaken or appropriate prophylaxis is not provided when indicated, as reported by the inquest in Lady Joan’s case. Causation concerns whether any identified breach caused or materially contributed to the harm. The coroner here concluded that the lack of anticoagulation did cause or contribute to Lady Joan’s death and that her death would likely have been prevented. Damages reflect the losses flowing from the harm.

How inquest findings can assist families

Inquest conclusions and evidence can help families understand what happened and may highlight potential care issues, including risk assessments, monitoring, communication, and steps taken to prevent known risks such as VTE. These findings can guide solicitors in identifying relevant records, formulating appropriate questions for experts, and assessing the prospects of a civil claim. They can also support calls for systemic learning to reduce the risk of similar events.

Williamsons are here to help

Our clinical negligence has substantial experience in pursuing claims involving vascular care, including the assessing and manage VTE risk. If you would like a confidential discussion about what happened and your options, please contact our team. Initial guidance can help you understand whether a formal investigation may be appropriate.