Investigation and inquest
On 19 April 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of Norma Doris Sheppard, 86 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 13 March 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was accidental death.
Circumstances of the death
On 6th February 2013 Mrs Sheppard fell in the care home where she lived and broke her right hip. She was admitted to Queens Hospital, Burton where she underwent a surgical repair the next day. She has then suffered a stroke and her swallowing has been affected. She was discharged to another care home on 25th March where she died on 10th April from the effects of the fall.
Coroner’s concerns
There was considerable confusion about the terms of Mrs Sheppard’s discharge from Queens Hospital to the care home on 25 March 2013. There was a written discharge letter that indicated that Mrs Sheppard should continue to receive sub cutaneous fluids at the care home and this presented considerable difficulties in finding somewhere suitable to take her. In fact when she was discharged it appears to be on an understanding that she was not going to receive sub cutaneous fluids although this was contrary to the discharge document.