Investigation and inquest
On 13 September 2019 I commenced an investigation into the death of Ann Margaret Smith. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 3 November 2020. The conclusion of the inquest was that she died as a result of an accident contributed to by natural disease. The cause of death was 1a) subdural and intracerebral haemorrhage
1b) Hypertensive Heart Disease and Bronchopneumonia
Circumstances of the death
The deceased was admitted to Princess Alexandra Hospital on 8 September 2019 and on 9 September she suffered an unwitnessed fall. She sustained a head injury and she died on 13 September 2019
Coroner’s concerns
1. There was uncertainty as to how to deal with the anti-coagulation aspect of the deceased’s care in the wake of the fall. There is the lack of a local protocol (part of the Falls Policy) for the management of the sub-group of patients over 65 on anticoagulants and being given treatment dose of clexane for another clinical reason eg suspected pulmonary embolus, who sustain head trauma.