Investigation and inquest
On 22 May 2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of Edna Marina Collett aged 82 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 23 November 2017. The conclusion of the inquest was ‘complication of appropriately prescribed medication’.
Circumstances of the death
Mrs Collett was admitted to County Hospital on 10th March 2017. It was soon established that she could be discharged but needed a suitable care package in the community. There were delays in arranging this. She remained in hospital and died there on 19th May.
The main factor in her death was a bleed by her brain linked with a medicine she was taking. It is possible that a fall she had on 7th May had been a contributory factor.
Coroner’s concerns
Mrs Collett was in hospital for more than 2 months. For the great majority of that time she did not need to be in hospital and the reason for her being there was that a suitable social placement could not be found for her. You will be well aware of the pressure on hospital beds. Although it may to some extent be out of your control I wonder if you could please look at the existing system to see if there can be improvements in moving patients on from hospital when they are fit to go.