Investigation and inquest
In June 2018 I commenced an investigation into the death of Patrick Kelly. The investigation concluded following an inquest on 31 January 2019 where the conclusion was:
• Natural Causes
Circumstances of the death
Patrick Kelly died as a result of sepsis part of which was as a result of a dental abscess. He was not compliant with dental hygiene and whilst it was this lack of compliance which contributed to the dental abscess; those providing care to him did not do everything in their power to ensure opportunities to improve his dental care were provided. He missed dental appointments and these were not rearranged with the care provider evidently placing little priority on the provision of dental care to their resident.
Coroner’s concerns
a) Roseberry Care Centres do not place adequate weight on the importance of dental hygiene and the provision of dental services to their residents. This has potentially resulted in the worsening of a dental abscess in one case.
b) Roseberry Care Centres do not have adequate policies in place to deal with missed dental appointments and the identification of when dental appointments may be required.