A manslaughter investigation into the death of a woman at a Sussex hospital came to light after a regional newspaper submitted a Freedom of Information request.

The inquiry by Sussex Police into the incident last year was revealed only after Brighton daily The Argus submitted a routine FoI request to find out about crimes reported in local hospitals.

Health reporter Siobhan Ryan subsequently reported that three hospital workers were being investigated by police over the suspicious death of a patient at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester.

All three suspects have since been released on bail while the officers carry out further inquiries in a case that has now been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The newspaper reports that the alleged victim, Joan Dixon, died after receiving what officers believe was an overdose of heart medication by hospital staff.

Said Siobhan: “I submitted a Freedom of Information request to health trusts across Sussex to ask about crimes on our wards.

“I was surprised when there was a heading marked ‘manslaughter’ because we had not reported any such incidents at the Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, which covers St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester.

“I investigated by asking the police and the trust and then uncovered that three hospital workers were being investigated over the death of Joan Dixon.

“We later tracked down Mrs Dixon’s daughter, giving us another story.

“The story was followed up by a number of media organisations.”

 The Argus Group Editor Michael Beard said: “This is a great example of the Freedom of Information Act at its best.

 “Siobhan did incredibly well to uncover the story.

“Newspapers need to be careful not to overuse the Act, but this story proves that it is vitally important and useful in uncovering important issues and holding public authorities to account.”

Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, told The Argus: “The trust is acutely aware of how distressing these circumstances are for the family, and once again would wish to extend its condolences to them.”

Mrs Dixon died on 19 October last year. An inquest into her death has been opened and adjourned until 2 November.