The family of a Dartford woman who died after she was misdiagnosed in hospital have spoken of their frustration after the inquest into her death was delayed.

Sian Hollands, 25, of Priory Hill, was admitted into Darent Valley Hospital on November 14 but died the next day from a pulmonary embolism.

The inquest was supposed to take place all week but on day three, 444 days after she died, it had to be adjourned as emergency legal aid had to be parachuted in for the doctor at the centre of the case, Dr Kamran Khan.

Ebony Rae Hollands, 22, Sian’s sister, spoke of the “heart-breaking” situation she and her family have had to go through to get the answers they need.

She said: “It's upsetting, we just want answers for her mum and her children. As a family we have gone through enough.

“We are three days into a five day inquest and we are still no closer to an answer.

“Being told halfway through one inquest that we are going into another one. It's heart-breaking for the family.

“I just want answers. At least we would have some form of closure. Human error does happen, humans make mistakes. We will continue to struggle until we get answers."

Mr Fortune, Dr Khan's new legal representative, made his first appearance at the inquest today, February 1, after it was clear yesterday that Doctor Kahn required legal representation.

He made it clear that this situation was unusual and he needed more time to fully represent Kahn in the inquest.

He said: "I must represent Dr Khan to the best of my ability. I have been parachuted into an inquest before but Doctor Kahn seems central to this inquest.

“It's of course upsetting to everyone, family and witnesses. We are dealing with the death of a loved one.”

Barrister Edward Ramsey, representing the family, said: “I can entirely accept where my esteemed friend is coming from and I would not want to be in his position.

“The family have pushed for answers and to be told now that matters have to be delayed is very frustrating. We are where we are but we should not be where we are.”