Investigation and inquest
On the 12th October 2015 I commenced an investigation into the death of Mary Walker aged 91. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 11th April 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was that she died of natural causes namely bronchopneumonia.
Circumstances of the death
Mary Walker resided at ████████ She developed dementia and was cared for by her family. She was admitted to Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan after a stroke. She was discharged home but fell and was readmitted to hospital. She had fractured her ramus pubic. She was discharged to Belong Village, Atherton on 14th September 2015. She was seen by two nurse practitioners and the District Nurse. She was thought to have a urinary infection and was prescribed antibiotics. On 9th October she was put to bed. She was checked at 10pm, 1am and 4.30am. On 10th October at 5.45am she was found dead. She had died of bronchopneumonia.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) At the inquest there was no specific evidence about what was revealed in the night time checks that had been carried out upon the deceased. There was a global summary stating the times at which checks had been carried out but there was no information as to what the patient’s condition was at the checks. This procedure requires review.
(2) During the inquest there was a lack of clarity in relation to the procedures to be followed by Care Assistants when they wanted to escalate health concerns. This system requires review.