Investigation and inquest
On 25th April 2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of Beryl French, aged 79, who died on 28th April 2013. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 25th April 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was that Beryl French died as a result of a pulmonary embolism as a result of a deep vein thrombosis with Dementia as a contributory factor, and a Conclusion of Natural Causes was given.
Circumstances of the death
Beryl French was a resident at Landmere Nursing Home in Nottinghamshire. She got into respiratory difficulties whilst receiving personal care. Nursing staff were summoned and decided to make no active interventions as they believed that a completed Do Not Attempt Cardio- Pulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) form was in place. This was not the case.
Coroner’s concerns
1. That there was a lack of understanding amongst nursing staff at Landmere about the nature of DNACPR forms and the information that should be provided for them to be complete and appropriate to be relied upon.
Although the evidence disclosed that no active intervention would have saved Mrs French, and that in was in her best interests not to intervene, this might not be the case in other, similar circumstances.
2. That End of Life Care planning was insufficient to guide nursing and care staff to help residents to die peacefully and with dignity in appropriate cases.