A WIDOW is calling for answers to why her husband died in hospital.

Rosemary Freeman wants an inquest to be held to find out why her husband John died.

Mrs Freeman, of Burrowdown, Eastbourne, fears he may have been misdiagnosed at Eastbourne District General Hospital or given medication that contributed to his death.

Mr Freeman, 74, who suffered from serious health problems, had previously lived near a petrol station where he was exposed to petrol fumes and had worked in the building trade with asbestos.

His widow, 70, wants to find out if his work environment, the location of the former home or even medication he was taking contributed to his death.

She said: “He was diagnosed with endocarditis and prescribed a fungal medicine.

“One of the complications with that medicine is kidney disease and liver disease.

“After he died the pathologist’s post mortem found kidney disease and liver disease but no sign of endocarditis.

“They have put his death down as natural causes so he won’t have an inquest.

“It has taken me since last year to get all John’s medical records and they said it would cost me £800.”

John had four children, eight grandchildren and would have become a great grandfather in March.

Mrs Freeman had been her husband’s carer for more than 40 years since he suffered five pulmonary embolisms in 1976.

She had already made a formal complaint to the hospital about Mr Freeman’s treatment.

East Sussex Hospitals Trust said the decision on whether to hold an inquest lay with East Sussex Coroner Alan Craze.

A spokesman said all patients can view their medical records for a £10 fee but anyone wanting copies of notes have to pay more for photocopying.

Mr Craze did not respond to an Argus request to comment.