Family begins legal action after heart stress test death in Brisbane hospital

A coroner is investigating the death of a grandmother following a heart stress test at a Brisbane hospital which her family believe should never have been given.

Sisters Na Xue and Fei Xue with their father Zumu Xue who lost their mother and wife Yagin Han, who died on a treadmill at hospital. Picture Lachie Millard

A coroner is investigating the death of a grandmother following a heart stress test at a Brisbane hospital which her family believe should never have been given.

Yaqin Han, 69, went into cardiac arrest and died shortly after undergoing a stress echocardiogram at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital at Coopers Plains in October 2022.

Mrs Han had been under the care of the hospital for aortic valve disease over a number of years.

On the day in question she had spent the morning with friends at a community centre before heading to the hospital for what her family said they believed was a routine appointment.

Daughter Fei, who along with sister Na and Mrs Han’s husband Zumu have engaged Shine Lawyers, said she was waiting for a call to pick her mother up when she was told Mrs Han was in a serious condition and to get to the hospital as soon as she could.

On the way to the hospital Fei received a call saying her mother had passed away.

“Someone can have like a heart attack at home, that happens we know,” Na told The Courier-Mail.

“It’s completely tragic because she was only 69. Apart from this heart valve situation she’s a completely active lady.”

Yaqin Han’s daughters Na Xue and Fei Xue and husband Zumu Xue with a photograph of their beloved family member. Picture Lachie Millard

During a stress echo patients are typically exercised on a treadmill at different speeds and slopes to monitor heart function. The family said Mrs Han had difficulty walking up hills and after about five and a half minutes on the treadmill she complained of chest pains and the test was stopped.

A Code Blue was called and CPR was commenced on Mrs Han but it was unsuccessful.

At the time she was reliant on an interpreter who the family said they have been unable to speak to.

Mrs Han’s family believe the test should have been stopped earlier than it was. They also believe that instead of the test she should have undergone a valve replacement which carried its own set of risks that they could have been prepared for.

Mrs Han’s daughters said her death had been devastating for the family.

“It’s emotionally really damaging for me, honestly we just really regret it. We didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to her,” Na said.

The QEII Hospital. Picture: NCA NewsWre/Glenn Campbell

Fei said the prospect of launching legal action wasn’t about money but raising awareness about the risks.

“We could just let it go but I just feel like, as a citizen, we can’t really let this go,” she said.

Shine Lawyers medical law senior associate Natasha Chalk said they would be pursuing claims against the hospital and health service on behalf of Mrs Han’s daughters and husband for the nervous shock they suffered as a result of her death.

“Mrs Han’s death was incredibly tragic and entirely avoidable,” she claimed.

“Based on the evidence we’ve gathered so far, it’s our view that there was nothing to be gained by running this test. It never should have happened and tragically it’s cost a family their beloved wife and mother.” A claim is yet to be lodged with the court.

QEII Hospital is limited in what it can say due to patient confidentiality but a spokeswoman offered the hospital’s “deepest sympathies to Mrs Han’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. “

“Our staff are providing support to the family and will continue to support them in understanding the circumstances around the loss of their loved one,” she said.

“As the Coronial investigation is underway it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Coroner Ainslie Kirkegaard’s investigation remains open and no determination of the case has yet been made.

Originally published as Family begins legal action after heart stress test death in Brisbane hospital