Timothy Jobling, 74, died after chemotherapy to treat prostate cancer

An inquest heard that Timothy 'Tim' Jobling, 74, died at Southampton General Hospital on December 9 last year.

The long-serving trustee of the Barker-Mill Foundation, and former chairman of the Winchester Medical Foundation, had been suffering with metastatic prostate carcinoma.

His condition deteriorated and paramedics were called to his home on December 6.

The hearing in Winchester heard that he had developed neutropenic septic shock – a life-threatening infection – in consequence of chemotherapy.

"He was a big name in the community, and he knew everyone in Winchester and Southampton," said Tim's wife, Lorna Jobling.

Rachel Adams 26.2.16 Staff and dementia sufferers at Mayfield Nurseries accept a cheque from Barker Mill Foundation trustee Tim Jobling for the forget me not appeal. Tim Jobling and Rachel Hampton.

"He was a very kind man, and did a lot of charity work, especially in those two cities. He loved his holidays and enjoyed spending time with his family.

"Tim was an amazing father and husband and he truly spoilt us, we were very lucky."

At the inquest, questions were raised as to whether Mr Jobling was admitted to hospital quickly enough from his home in Main Road, Owslebury.

Medics from South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) arrived just after 7pm, but he was not admitted until around six hours later.

A representative from SCAS spoke with Mrs Jobling, and after a short debate, it was agreed that the correct care was given, especially as Covid rates were high at the time.

Dr Simon Crabb, who had cared for Mr Jobling at Southampton General Hospital since 2017, spoke on this issue.

He told the inquest: "It's impossible to give a certain answer, but an infection of this sort, where the immune system is down, can accelerate in hours rather than days.

"I don't wish to overstate the outcome, but I suspect the course of this infection would have run the same way if he'd been admitted earlier, although it is impossible to say for sure."

Area coroner Jason Pegg ended the inquest by giving a narrative conclusion.

He said: "The deceased developed neutropenic septic shock in consequence of chemotherapy for metastatic prostate cancer, a recognised complication of the treatment.

"The deceased was symptomatic of sepsis on December 6 2020 when assessed by ambulance personnel."