A woman who was discharged and later re-admitted to Watford General Hospital the same day died after contracting pneumonia in a matter of hours, an inquest has heard. 

Poland-born Eliza Zamojda, who lived in Syon Court, St Albans, died on May 13 from the condition, despite having clear lungs during a medical examination three days earlier. 

The 33-year-old, who had lived in the UK for eight years, had epilepsy, drank heavily and used cocaine as well as prescribed drugs, Tuesday's inquest heard. She also suffered from bulimia and weighed 45kg.

Miss Zamojda was admitted to Watford General Hospital on May 10 after collapsing twice but doctors found no evidence of seizure activity and her chest was clear. She only tested positive for a urine infection and showed signs of dehydration from not eating or drinking. 

She was discharged from the hospital the next day at 6.45am but at 4.50pm Miss Zamojda was found face down on the floor at home having a seizure. 

She was readmitted to hospital where she complained she had chest pains. Doctors re-examined her and discovered Miss Zamojda had developed pneumonia, and she was admitted to intensive care where she died two days later.

Watford General Consultants present at the inquest said regular checks had been carried out every half an hour to an hour on Miss Zamojada on May 10, and that is was possible for someone to develop such a condition in such a short space of time. 

Antony Harris, from Hemel Hempstead, met Miss Zamojda through friends about seven years ago. He said: "My big concern was why she was discharged on a Sunday morning so early? 

"Eliza never hurt anyone in her life but herself. She was the kindest, most loving, most empathetic person that I have ever known."

Senior Coroner Edward Thomas said fits and seizures created a high risk of liquid entering the lungs, causing severe infection.

Mr Thomas ruled that the cause of Miss Zamojda's death was sepsis, which was caused by pneumonia, as a result of an epileptic fit. Ethanol toxicity was also contributory factor, he ruled.