Investigation and inquest
On 29th April 2019 an investigation was commenced into the death of DAVID CRAIG KERR (dob 06.12.33). The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 16th October 2019.
The conclusion of the inquest was accidental death.
The medical cause of death was:
1 a) Respiratory failure
1 b) Extensive idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
II) Fractured neck of femur (operated), Ischaemic heart disease, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Circumstances of the death
(1) David Kerr (DK) had an extensive past medical history, including COPD and pulmonary fibrosis for which he received home oxygen.
(2) On 15th April 2019 DK was admitted to Stepping Hill Hospital following a fall at home. No cause was found for the fall.
(3) DK fell on the ward on 17th and 18th April after removing his oxygen; on the second occasion he sustained a fractured neck of femur, for which he underwent successful operative fixation. Postoperatively he was transferred to Ward D2 (orthopaedic).
(4) DK became increasingly unwell and died on 27th April 2019.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) DK’s medical care on ward D2 was poor and probably contributed to his death.
(2) Between 24th and 26th April DK was allowed to become increasingly dehydrated; on 24th April he received a total of 300mls of fluid and the input/output chart was not filled in on 25th/26th April, despite the fact that he was seriously unwell.
(3) There were few clinical observations on this sick patient. On 26th April, clinical observations were performed at 11.12 (MEWS 1) and 21.06 (MEWS 0). There were no clinical observations thereafter. No protocol was produced regarding the frequency of observations in sick patients on Ward D2.