A brother's £2million fight for the truth over the shock death of his sister during a routine operation has taken a major step forward after a third inquest was opened.
A pre-inquest review was opened by HM Coroner Karon Monaghan yesterday (May 18) in West London Coroners Court in Fulham.
Her grieving brother Bernard Bloom of High Road, Chigwell, who has been fighting for answers ever since her sudden death 13 years ago, said he is hoping for a "truthful outcome" following two quashed inquest verdicts in 2003 and 2005.
The first inquest, which was held in 2003, saw North London Deputy Assistant Coroner Andrew Walker deliver a verdict that Carmel's death was a result of natural causes.
A second in 2005 found a lack of care after surgery played a part in the death.
Both however were overturned soon after being made.
Mr Bloom has spent more than £2million on legal bills trying to find out how his sister died.
An unprecedented third inquest, for which a date has not yet been set, will hear fresh evidence including a 999 call from a Roding Hospital nurse describing the seriousness of Mrs Bloom's condition, including symptoms of coughing blood and unstableness.
HM Coroner Karon Monaghan is set to make a decision on whether the third inquest will be held with a jury, the date for the inquest and which witnesses and expert witnesses will be called, in the upcoming weeks.
She will also decide on whether the case will be transferred back to the East London Coroner’s Court in Walthamstow where it was opened as requested by Mr Bloom.
The Chigwell resident said he is "desperate for a truthful closure" after an "exhausting" battle for justice.
He said: "I am feeling hopeful that this third inquest will give us answers.
"We don't want answers at any cost, we want the truth.
"We want to know what happened.
"Giving up is not an option.
Mr Bloom said he hopes the third inquest will provide answers for the grieving family.
"These last 13 years have been exhausting and extremely expensive.
"I believe that the inquest will be held around September and last around three to four weeks.
"We are desperate for a truthful closure regarding what happened to my sister.
"It will mean everything to us to find out and get justice.
"We want closure, we want the truth and we all want to move on.
"I just hope that this inquest can give us that."
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