Investigation and inquest
On 08 July 2020 I commenced an investigation into the death of Barbara PROUDLOVE aged 92. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 12 July 2022. The conclusion of the inquest was that:
See box 4
Circumstances of the death
The deceased died on 4th July 2020 at Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire having developed pneumonia in consequence of cardiac failure and dementia. The deceased had elevated levels of morphine and lorazepam within her body, how that came to be cannot be ascertained, which caused the deceased to be unconscious and contributed to the death. There was a delay in summoning medical assistance for the deceased which together with the deceased's frailty contributed to the death.
Coroner’s concerns
(brief summary of matters of concern)
The Berkeley Home Health carer did not identify that the deceased was unconscious in good time; there was delay by the carer in summoning medical assistance.
The evidence of the carer demonstrated a lack of training, skills and understanding in being able to reasonably identify a medical emergency and how to respond to a medical emergency.
My concern is that such carers lack the necessary training and skills when tasked with caring for others in the same position as the deceased.