Tributes paid to 'funny and kind' police officer who died suddenly at his home

An "ongoing" education and awareness programme is in place at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) after a Nottinghamshire Police officer's sudden death. Scott Redgate was a member of the Beeston neighbourhood policing team and died aged 49 at his home in Carlton in the early hours of November 5, 2023.

An inquest held into his death on Wednesday, October 30, at Nottingham Council House revealed Mr Redgate had complained of pain in his abdomen since October 31, 2023. He was seen by his GP and then by the surgical team at Queen's Medical Centre (QMC), part of NUH, on November 1 and November 2.

A diagnosis of gastritis was first made on November 1, which coroner Elizabeth Didcock said was reasonable at the time. The diagnosis made on November 2 was acute cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder for which he was given antibiotics, following a review of the abdominal ultrasound scan performed on that day.

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Both diagnoses were incorrect, the inquest was told, as Mr Redgate's causes of death were found to have been 1a hemopericardium and 1b aortic dissection. His family then raised concerns regarding the father's care, saying there was a missed opportunity to identify Mr Redgate's cardiac condition prior to his death.

The hearing was told Mr Redgate had no significant medical history relevant to his cause of death. He described his constant pain as a rubber band squeezing around his body.

At QMC, a CT scan of his abdomen showed that he had a thickening of 5mm of the gallbladder which supported his diagnosis of gallbladder inflammation. The post-mortem examination carried out by the pathologist revealed no evidence of an abnormal biliary tract.

However, some inflammation around the gallbladder was observed in a post-mortem CT scan. The inquest was told how Mr Redgate's presentation in the days prior to his death was "unusual" for the condition he had, which the coroner accepted.

However, Dr Didcock explained that she was concerned about how the history of Mr Redgate’s abdominal pain was documented, saying it was not well recorded. Mr Redgate was told that his condition would improve within 48-72 hours.

Describing the case as complex and difficult, the coroner said: "On November 3 and 4, it is clear that Scott remained in severe pain, but I understand he had no reason in his mind to come back to the emergency department in order to be seen again as he had understood he was waiting for things to improve. I suspect he was also a stoic man.

"I accept I've not identified issues of care that on balance have made a more than minimal contribution to his death." Dr Didcock added that the aortic dissection likely occurred on October 31.

She said: "The diagnosis was not made in life, likely because the symptoms were not typical and because an alternative diagnosis, that of cholecystitis, was made, which appeared to explain his symptoms. I'm satisfied that there is an ongoing education and awareness programme at NUH, although, of course, this needs to continue and it needs to broaden to include the surgical team and other specialist teams at NUH."

The hearing was also told it is unclear why Mr Redgate developed the condition. Dr Manjeet Shehmar, medical director at NUH, said: “We recognise the findings of the Coroner and would like to offer our sincere condolences to Mr Redgate’s family for their loss.”

Mr Redgate was honoured with a full police funeral at Rushcliffe Oaks Crematorium in Stragglethorpe featuring a guard of honour by his friends and colleagues on Friday, December 8.

During an emotional service attended by his family, friends and colleagues, he was remembered as an excellent neighbourhood officer who was "funny, kind and generous".

Superintendent Claire Rukas, delivering a eulogy, said Mr Redgate was a huge football fan and worked in Nottingham Forest's ticket office before becoming a police officer with Nottinghamshire Police in 2004 – a career he craved as he "always looked up to and had respect for police officers" since his childhood.

He was posted to West Bridgford as a response officer, and later moved to the Neighbourhood Policing Team first in Rushcliffe and then Beeston in August 2022. Supt Rukas said: "In 2007, feedback from a national course confirmed what everyone already knew.

"It read, 'Scott is one of those essential people every team needs….he is a very likeable person who fits in as a team player very comfortably, proving to be both steady and dependable'. It is well known that Scott's love, dedication and commitment to his family had no bounds.

"He would frequently discuss family plans and activities; obviously with the conversation involving football at some point. He also exemplified what it is to be a police officer, and specifically a neighbourhood beat manager.

"A key part of the community. Serving with pride, professionalism and dedication. Knowing that being a police officer is not to cast judgement on individuals, but to help and protect those who are most vulnerable.

"Scott was a true asset to our policing family. He served with courage and had a positive impact on society and individuals. A wonderful colleague and friend; Scott will be greatly missed by us all."