Investigation and inquest
On 14 June 2021 I commenced an investigation into the death of Robert George MURRAY aged 80. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 16 March 2022. The conclusion of the inquest was: accidental death
Circumstances of the death
The deceased suffered from mild dementia and was cared for in a nursing home. At breakfast on 10 June 2021 he choked and died. Autopsy found a food bolus in his airways. An ambulance, wrongly, was not sent because he had a DNACPR in place.
Coroner’s concerns
From listening to the 999 call between the registered nurse at the care home and the call operator, and also from evidence heard at the inquest, it is apparent that no one involved understood that there are circumstances when the DNACPR should not be applied. I am concerned that this may potentially be an issue elsewhere in the country and further training and clarification is therefore necessary.