HOSPITAL health bosses have launched an inquiry after a 79-year-old widower from Newton Abbot died following complications from cardiac surgery.

South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed it is conducting an internal investigation after John Brackley, of Addison Road, suffered an infection after a pacemaker was fitted.

Mr Brackley died on Sunday, January 22, in Torbay Hospital, five weeks after undergoing revision surgery for a cardiac pacemaker implant at the same hospital.

An inquest into his death was opened on January 21 in Torquay.

The hearing was told Mr Brackley, a retired lathe operator, went in for the surgery on December 14 last year.

Coroner's officer Stephanie Teague said: "The procedure went well. On January 20, Mr Brackley was admitted to Torbay Hospital suffering an infection. It was suspected the infection may be related to the pacemaker.

"He sadly died in hospital on Tuesday 22."

The cause of death was ascertained as septicaemia and a heart attack, bacterial endocarditis and complete heart block and pacemaker insertion.

His body was identified by his daughter Caroline Yeo, also of Newton Abbot.

The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing to take place at a later date.

In a statement, the health trust said: "We would like to offer our sympathies to Mr Brackley's family.

"As per normal policy and practice, an inquest has been opened and we will, of course, support the coroner as necessary.

"We have also begun an internal investigation to support this process and to identify any other areas for learning or action."