A LEGAL battle is underway after a 22-year-old rugby player died while in hospital care, a coroner's court heard.

Firth Smith Lord, from Bolton, died on December 18, 2019, after suffering a cardiac arrest at Salford Royal Hospital - following an issue with a “clamped” external ventricular drain (EVD).

EVDs are life-saving devices used for neurosurgical patients with excessive amounts of cerebrospinal fluid, which protects them from injury. Nurses are responsible for the care of patients who have EVDs.

In March 2018, Firth had been diagnosed with cancer of the central nervous system, which he was receiving EVD treatment for.

A pre-inquest review at Bolton Coroners Court heard how Mr Lord’s parents are not satisfied that their son received appropriate care over a period of two years.

According to a post-mortem examination, the underlying cause of his death was given as cancer of the central nervous system.

But the family believes that the former Bolton RUFC player’s life could have been prolonged had a diagnosis been made earlier.

Paul Williams, the lawyer representing the family, said: “There’s a real possibility of systemic failure in this case.

“The family has concerns over the treatment which he received over the two years leading up to his death.

“They believe there were missed opportunities.”

Victoria Davies, the lawyer representing the Northern Care Alliance, said it has been admitted by health bosses that the EVD drain was clamped - and that this it is most likely the cause of the heart attack which led to his death.

However, she disagreed that there had been missed opportunities regarding his previous care.

Assistant coroner Paul Sigee said he will consider all the matters before setting a date for the full inquest to be held later this year at Bolton Coroners Court - or possibly in early 2022 if a jury is required.