Devon woman died from malnutrition due to ME – coroner

Professor David Strain, who works at the trust, said he did not believe there was a “ward anywhere in the country at the moment that can provide the sort of care that is needed” for ME patients.

The inquest heard that Dr Willy Weir, an expert in ME, had written to the chief executive of the hospital a month before Miss Boothby-O’Neill died about her case and the “outdated” views some doctors held about the disease.

Ms Archer told the court: “In making the findings I have, I hope that important lessons for future treatment of ME can be learned from her death.

“No doubt with the benefit of hindsight things will be different in many respects.”

Andrew Gwynne, minister for public health and prevention, said it was a “heart-wrenching example of a patient falling through the cracks”.

He said: “Maeve and her family were forced to battle the disease alongside the healthcare system which repeatedly misunderstood and dismissed her.

“I am committed to improving the care and support for all those affected, and we intend to publish a final delivery plan this winter which will focus on boosting research, improving attitudes and education, and bettering the lives of people with this debilitating disease.”

A further hearing will take place on 27 September where the coroner will hear evidence about making a preventing future deaths report.

These are sent when a coroner thinks action is needed to protect lives.