Investigation and inquest
On 6th February 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of John Francis HOWLETT. The investigation concluded on the 13th August 2024 and the conclusion was one of Narrative: Died from exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease contributed to by frailty due to dehydration and poor nutritional status. The medical cause of death was 1a) Infective exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease II) Frailty
Circumstances of the death
John Francis Howlett had severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was placed at The Lakes Care Home due to his severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He required oxygen and was bedbound. He became increasingly frail whilst at The Lakes with poor nutrition and fluid intake. He developed an infection and was admitted to Tameside General Hospital. He was treated but despite the treatment he continued to decline as a consequence of the exacerbation of his underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and frailty. He died at Tameside General Hospital on 31st January 2024.
Coroner’s concerns
1. The inquest heard that on arrival at A and E at Tameside Hospital Mr Howlett spent 22 hours in a corridor despite suffering from an infection and the distress that this caused. The inquest was told that this was due to the demands on the department and the challenges of moving patients onto wards due to capacity issues. The inquest was told that this was not unique to that particular day or indeed to the hospital and was the picture across the country at that time.
2. The evidence before the inquest indicated that the care home in question had been of concern in relation to the care offered to residents for some time. It was indicated that action plans were in place particularly in relation to safeguarding concerns given the vulnerability of residents. However despite those steps being in place and the concerns the systems were not in place at the care home to robustly monitor his nutritional status and fluid intake. He became increasingly frail with decreased physiological reserves as a consequence.