Albert Dovey · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 10th February 2023 I commenced an investigation into the death of Albert Dovey. The investigation concluded on the 30th June 2023 and the conclusion was one of Narrative: Accidental death exacerbated by underlying heart failure. The medical cause of death was 1a) Frailty; 1b) Rhabdomyolysis and fractured clavicle; 1c) Fall; 1) Heart failure, Acute kidney injury

Albert Dovey had an accidental fall in his home address. He was found on the floor at his home address. He was admitted to Tameside General Hospital where he was found to have rhabdomyolysis. His oxygen requirement was significant. He had an acute kidney injury and required a blood transfusion. He had heart failure. He was treated with antibiotics. He was found to have fractured his clavicle which further reduced his mobility. He became gravely frail as a consequence of his reduced mobility in combination with his heart failure despite treatment. On 4th February 2023 he died at Tameside General Hospital.

The inquest heard evidence that in relation to Mr Dovey there had been delays in him being assessed by clinicians due to delays in the ambulance attending after he was found on the floor and due to delays for ambulances to be processed at the hospital. The ambulance Mr Dovey was in a queue behind other ambulances waiting to unload patients into A and E.
The inquest heard evidence that delays in treatment of elderly frail patients following a fall gave rise to an increased risk of death. In Mr Dovey’s case the delays were due to the sustained pressure on services across Greater Manchester which had been ongoing for months at the time of Mr Dovey’s death. The pressure was due to demand against availability of resources.