A magisterial inquiry into the death of Stephen Mangion concluded that no negligence or criminal responsibility lies with the medical professionals who treated him. Mangion, of 55 years old, passed away from an aortic dissection after collapsing in Mater Dei Hospital’s emergency waiting room. The inquiry, led by Magistrate Joe Mifsud, found that the doctors and nurses had acted appropriately and could not have foreseen Mangion’s condition due to his atypical symptoms.
The report revealed that Mangion had first experienced symptoms early in the morning but delayed seeking medical attention for approximately 15 hours, despite advice from friends and family. He eventually sought treatment at the Floriana health center, where an initial ECG was conducted, but it did not reveal any imminent danger. Mangion was later transported to Mater Dei Hospital by a friend, where two more ECGs were performed, none of which indicated a heart attack or an immediate threat to his life. His underlying issue, an aortic dissection, was difficult to diagnose given the symptoms presented at the time.
The report also addressed the public outrage following Mangion’s death, which was fueled by social media claims that he had waited for hours despite reporting chest pains. However, the inquiry dismissed these allegations, revealing that Mangion had not been left unattended and that healthcare staff had taken all reasonable measures to assist him. The claims on social media were found to be based on misinformation spread through a fake profile.
On the day of the incident, the emergency department was overwhelmed, handling 251 patients, with many cases classified as urgent. Mangion’s case was particularly challenging due to the lack of clear indications that he was suffering from an aortic dissection, which ultimately led to his sudden collapse and death.
Dalli Advocates represented one of the medicial specialists in the Magisterial Inquiry.