Investigation and inquest
On 20/07/2021 I commenced an investigation into the death of Eirlys Wynne Roberts, aged 93. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 26 January 2022. The conclusion of the inquest was: Death was due to natural causes contributed to by a fall which caused a fractured neck of femur and upon which was operated.
Circumstances of the death
Eirlys Wynne Roberts was 93 years of age at the time of her death on 17.7.21. There had been a general decline in her cognitive health and despite extensive support and care from her family there came a time when further additional care was required. She took a placement at a residential home where she suffered a fall. She was taken to hospital where she was found to have a fractured neck of femur and it was deemed appropriate to operate. Despite overcoming the surgery she sadly passed away a short time later.
Coroner’s concerns
There was evidence heard during the Inquest that when a residential home was required given the deceased’s needs that the homes in Gwynedd were all full and that consideration would need to be given to placements outside of the area. Eventually a placement was identified. When further deterioration was noted whereby the deceased required a higher level of care by way of an EMI residential placement one was not immediately available. The deceased therefore remained at the residential home. When her needs further increased whereby an EMI nursing placement was required, again there was no availability. I am concerned by the lack of available placements for the elderly as and when their cognitive and physical needs change thereby putting them at risk. The evidence was that there is a shortage of placements and it is concerning that specific needs of the elderly cannot always be met either at all or in a timely manner.