Investigation and inquest
On 3 September 2025, an inquest was opened by Alison Mutch OBE, Senior Coroner for Greater Manchester (South) into the death of Patrick Griffin who died at the Stamford Unit, Tameside Hospital on 17 August 2025, aged 82 years. The investigation concluded with an inquest which I heard on 30 January 2026.
The inquest heard medical evidence that Mr Griffin died as a consequence of:
1a) Bronchopneumonia
2) Alzheimer’s Disease
At the end of the inquest, I recorded a narrative conclusion, finding that Mr Griffin died in hospital from Bronchopneumonia having been admitted from a care home as a result of a number of his basic care needs not being met.
Circumstances of the death
Mr Griffin died on 17 August 2025 at the Stamford Unit, Tameside General Hospital, Ashton-under-Lyne as a consequence of Bronchopneumonia against a background of Alzheimer’s Disease. Mr Griffin was admitted to Tameside General Hospital from Moss Cottage where he was receiving residential care on a temporary basis.
Coroner’s concerns
Mr Griffin lived with advanced dementia and moved into Moss Cottage on temporary basis on 18 July 2025 to afford his wife and main carer a period of respite. I am concerned that, despite it being recognised that Mr Griffin needed support with dietary and fluid intake, and full assistance with hygiene and personal care, when admitted to hospital on 6 August 2025, he was noted:
1) To be dehydrated; and
2) Not to have opened his bowels for 7 days.