Investigation and inquest
On 20 August 2020, I commenced an investigation into the death of Joseph O’Neill, aged 88 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest earlier today. I made a narrative determination, a copy of which I attach.
Circumstances of the death
Mr O’Neill developed bronchopneumonia, suffered heat stroke, then became dehydrated and died.
If he had been properly hydrated and had been in an appropriately cool environment, he would not have died when he did.
Coroner’s concerns
Mr O’Neill was attended by carers from Care Outlook four times a day.
It was noted that he was very hot and he was brought a fan. He was also offered respite care in a care home. However, he was fearful of catching COVID19 and in 2020 care home COVID death rates were very high.
When Mr O’Neill refused a place in a care home, the Care Outlook staff did not do anything to resolve the fault with Mr O’Neill’s heating, so it remained on in the middle of a heatwave. An engineer was called to fix his door hinge, but not his heating. Mr O’Neill desperately needed a reduction in the temperature of his flat, first and foremost by the heating being fixed, but Care Outlook staff did not deal with this.
He also needed immediate rehydration. When he was admitted to hospital, he was in deficit by about three litres. He was offered a drink by care staff at mealtimes, but he needed constant prompting and encouragement to drink enough. His deterioration was not recognised.