Inquest opens into Norwich dog groomer Hayley Butler's death

An inquest has been opened into the death of Hayley Butler who died at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital following complications after gastric sleeve surgery.

Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard how the 40-year-old from Norwich travelled abroad for the procedure on September 24.

Area coroner Samantha Goward said: “The circumstances were that she had a sleeve gastrectomy in Turkey.  

“She was deemed fit to fly back to the United Kingdom 48 hours later.  

“On arrival, she was suffering from abdominal pain and vomiting and was admitted to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital where a CT scan which showed perforation of the esophagus.

“She was transferred to Luton and Dunstable Hospital’s bariatric centre on October 11 and was found to have a bowel perforation and anastomotic leak for which she had a laparotomy.  

"She sadly continued to deteriorate and passed away on October 24.” 

The primary medical cause of death was given as refractory multiple organ failure.  

Mrs Goward also confirmed to the court, based at County Hall, that Miss Butler had been born on June 6, 1984, in Norwich and lived on Sprowston Road in the city.  

A full inquest will take place on March 19 next year and is expected to last one day. 

Hayley Butler celebrating her 40th birthday (Image: Jessica Carter)

THE MOST ‘HAPPY-GO-LUCKY' WOMAN 

Following Miss Butler’s death, tributes poured in for the much-loved dog groomer. 

Miss Butler was the owner of Diva Dogs, a successful dog grooming salon in the Shipfield area of Norwich. 

Established in 2017, the salon was named after her beloved Chihuahua, Diva, and the talented groomer specialised in creative and Asian Fusion styling.  

Miss Butler's mother, Gillian Moore, said: "Hayley was the most happy-go-lucky, caring person - she was always worrying about other people.  

"I am heartbroken. She was my soul mate, my friend and my rock. 

"My life will never be the same without her."