The grieving family of a woman who tragically died after contracting rabies from a puppy scratch have publicly questioned whether the NHS was adequately prepared to handle her rare and devastating illness.
A Fatal Scratch and a Family's Loss
Yvonne Ford, a 59-year-old described by her loved ones as a "beautiful mum," passed away months after being scratched by a puppy infected with rabies. The circumstances of her death were the focus of a recent pre-inquest hearing, where her family's legal representatives raised critical concerns.
Serious Questions Over Health Service Preparedness
During the hearing, the central issue put forward was the apparent lack of readiness within the National Health Service to diagnose and treat a case of rabies. This viral disease, while almost eradicated in the UK, is almost invariably fatal once symptoms appear. The family's legal team challenged the health service's protocols and response, suggesting systemic gaps in dealing with such a rare but deadly infection.
The case highlights the extreme rarity of rabies occurring within the United Kingdom, where the disease is not endemic in wildlife. Incidents typically involve infections acquired abroad or, as in this devastating instance, from an imported animal. The tragic outcome for Yvonne Ford underscores the catastrophic consequences when such cases emerge.
Seeking Answers and Accountability
The pre-inquest hearing, held on 5 December 2025, is a procedural step before a full inquest into the death. It allows for the scope of the investigation to be determined and for initial evidence to be reviewed. The family's pursuit of answers through this legal process indicates their determination to understand every facet of the care and response provided.
This breaking story continues to develop, with the full inquest expected to examine in detail the timeline of events from the initial scratch to Yvonne Ford's final treatment. The family's painful quest for clarity will centre on whether different actions could have prevented this heartbreaking outcome.
