Investigation and inquest
On the 5th January 2017, I commenced an investigation into the death of Wycliffe Ashton Matthews, aged 91 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 29th September 2017. The conclusion of the inquest was accidental death contributed to by neglect.
Circumstances of the death
On the 11th of December 2016 in Alexander Grange Care Home, he was hoisted three times in a standing hoist. On the first and second occasions he had difficulties and on the third occasion he let go of the hoist and sat back in the chair causing traumatic spinal cord injuries. This led to his death and pneumonia.
Coroner’s concerns
1. During the Inquest evidence was heard that:-
i. The staff at the home seemed untrained or at least inadequately trained on the use of the hoist.
ii. The staff failed to keep any, or any proper, note of the events which led to the death.