Investigation and inquest
On 5TH June 2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of Margaret Ellen Postill .The investigation concluded on the 20th October 2017 and the conclusion was one of accidental death. The medical cause of death was 1a Bilateral subdural hematoma; 1b fall; and 2 old age, dementia.
Circumstances of the death
Margaret Ellen Postill had dementia and was a resident at Sunnyside Care Home. On 2nd May 2017 she fell at the care home. She was taken to Tameside General Hospital where tests showed that she had not suffered any fractures or bleed to brain. She was discharged back to the care home. She arrived back at about 2:55pm on 2nd May 2017. She mobilised to a limited degree and ate her tea. At 6:25pm she was found, having fallen on the corridor. She went to Tameside General Hospital again. No CT was carried out initially and she was considered suitable for discharge. She then had a series of seizures. A CT scan showed a subdural hematoma caused by the 2nd fall. She deteriorated over the next few weeks and was moved to palliative care. She died on 31st May 2017 at Stamford Unit.
Coroner’s concerns
1. There did not appear to have been any evaluation of Mrs Postill after her return on 2nd May 2017. In particular no evaluation/assessment sheets were completed.(Home)
2. The document held by Tameside Hospital relating to the second visit was of poor quality .In particular there was a lack of detail around the decision making.(TGH)