Investigation and inquest
On 20th March 2025, Alison Mutch OBE, Senior Coroner for Manchester South opened an inquest into the death of Leslie Thompson who died at Tameside General Hospital, Ashton-under-Lyne on 20th February 2025, aged 94 years. The investigation concluded with an inquest which I heard on 16th July 2025.
The inquest determined Mr Thompson died as a consequence of:
1a) Traumatic acute on chronic subdural haematoma
II) Dementia, Frailty of old age, Anticoagulated Atrial Fibrillation, Heart failure
At the end of the inquest, I recorded a conclusion of Accident
Circumstances of the death
Mr Thompson died on 20th February 2025 at Tameside General Hospital Ashton-under-Lyne as a consequence of a head injury sustained in a fall in hospital against a background of a chronic subdural haematoma and multiple complex health Problems
Coroner’s concerns
Mr Thompson sustained the fall in hospital which ultimately led to his death at a point in time where he had been assessed as medically fit for discharge, but was awaiting a physiotherapy assessment.
At inquest, the court heard evidence that this hospital (in common with many others) does not have core physiotherapy services operating at evenings and weekends. I am concerned as to the effects of this in terms of delays to discharge, and the resultant exposure to risk of patients for whom an acute hospital environment is not most suitable.