Inquiry told woman’s appearance indicated seriousness of illness

A Medical Council inquiry into a doctor who diagnosed 20-year-old Vicki Core with gastric flu less than 24 hours before she died of pneumonia, has been told that her appearance on the day before her death indicated the seriousness of her condition.

Expert witness Donal Buckley told the inquiry it was very uncommon for a patient to visit a doctor wearing only a pyjamas.

“If someone hasn’t got the self-dignity of dressing up and making an effort then you are generally unwell,” he said.