Investigation and inquest
On 13 March 2024, I opened an investigation into the death of Victor Valentine COSTELLO, aged 84. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest alone held on 13 March 2024. I made a determination that death was from natural causes. The medical cause of death was:-
• 1(a) bronchopneumonia
• 2 cerebral infarction and generalised atherosclerosis
Circumstances of the death
Mr Costello was a resident at Primrose Court Nursing Home. He was taken to hospital on the morning of the 17th February 2020 and passed away there six days later from naturally occurring disease.
Coroner’s concerns
Mr Costello was nil by mouth and PEG fed. His family raised concerns that Mr Costello had told them he had been drinking water from the taps in his bathroom. Evidence was given at the inquest by the Nursing Home Manager that such concerns were communicated to all staff. However, further evidence given at the inquest showed that such communication was not effective (the nurse in charge and the two care assistants who were on duty on the morning Mr Costello was taken to hospital, all denied being aware of such concerns).