RELATIVES of a man who died from an infection of his heart have lodged two complaints over his treatment.

Malcolm Nesbitt, 65, died at Darlington Memorial Hospital on January 15.

An inquest at Crook Coroners' Court heard that he had been suffering from flu-like symptoms for ten days leading up to his death.

During this time he was seen by two different doctors from Moorlands surgery in Darlington - once at the surgery, and later during a home visit.

Dr Ajay Kumar Terli, the second doctor to see Mr Nesbitt, told the inquest that it had not crossed his mind that he could be suffering from the heart infection endocarditis.

The condition caused Mr Nesbitt's death the day after he was examined by Dr Terli.

Coroner Andrew Tweddle recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.

Speaking after the inquest Mr Nesbitt's daughter Michelle, a nurse, said the family has lodged formal complaints with Moorlands and the North East Ambulance Service.

She believes her father should have been referred to hospital by Dr Terli.

Ms Nesbitt also claims paramedics were reluctant to take him to hospital when they were called to the house after she contacted the 111 service for advice.

She said: “On the first occasion that he was seen by a GP we accepted that it was three days into the illness and the advice we were given was the right advice.

“But nine days down the line he wasn’t better; he wasn’t drinking, there was no improvement.

“We got him a home visit because he couldn’t leave the house to visit a GP – that to us was significant.

“I went to check on him the following morning and found him on his knees in the bedroom, unable to get up.”

Ms Nesbitt added: “We are feeling angry and let down, especially as a health professional myself.”

A spokeswoman for the North East Ambulance Service confirmed that it had received a complaint from Mr Nesbitt’s family and was investigating the matter.

The Northern Echo contacted Moorlands surgery but the practice manager declined to comment.

Mr Nesbitt worked at a pipeline company in Catterick until his death and leaves behind three grown up daughters.