Investigation and inquest
On 26th October 2016 I commenced an investigation into the death of John Davies. The investigation concluded on the 6th April 2017 and the conclusion was a narrative one of died of natural causes exacerbated by an infected pressure sore. The medical cause of death was 1a Lewy Body Dementia;1b Parkinson’s Disease; and 2 Infected Sacral Pressure Sore
Circumstances of the death
John Anthony Davies had Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease. He was a resident at Cawood House Lanwing Lane, Stockport. His care needs were complex. He was identified as requiring a move from a residential care setting to a nursing home setting. Care was provided by the District Nursing Team and the GP. On the 7th September 2016 he was found to have an infected pressure sore. He was admitted to hospital. His prognosis was poor. On the 6th October 2016 he was moved to the Meadows for palliative care. He deteriorated and died on the 23rd October 2016 at the Meadows.
Coroner’s concerns
1. There was no process in place for risk assessment plans to be completed when a resident’s needs changed from care to nursing needs and a bed was awaited.
2. The District Nursing Team were unaware of the change in status and there was no system in place to involve them in discussions.
3. Patient records completed by the District Nursing Team lacked detail and were not completed in the required timescales.
4. There was no continuity of care provided by the District Nursing Team.
5. There was little evidence of communication and information sharing between the care home and the District Nursing Team
6. The Care Home notes were lacking in detail
7. A suitable nursing home placement could not be identified once it had been agreed that the Care Home was no longer the best place to meet the needs of Mr Davies
8. Advice was not sought by the District Nurses when they had difficulties examining Mr Davies
9. The correct procedure was not followed on previous occasions when a trigger point was reached in relation to pressure relieving strategies.