Investigation and inquest
On 19 August 2016 I commenced an Investigation into the death of Jean Marjorie McHALE aged 88 years . The Investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on 13 December 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was a narrative that she had died from Sepsis from infected pressure ulcers.
Circumstances of the death
The deceased was admitted to the Luton & Dunstable Hospital on 9 July 2016 following confusion, fever and generally unwell. She had 2 large pressure sores (Grade 4) present on the sacral region. After thorough discussion with microbiology she underwent multiple antibiotic therapy for 5 weeks; her condition unfortunately failed to improve. Her Daughter stated that her mother was discharged from Hospital in April 2016 with Grade 2 Pressure Sores and arranged for nurses to visit. The deceased was seen by the Community Nurses and Carers on a daily basis.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) That if pressure ulcers are not treated appropriately to the elderly in the community will suffer, develop Osteomyelitis leading to Sepsis and death.
(2) That there are not enough Tissue Viability Nurses working in the community or in the hospital to meet the needs of the patients
(3) An urgent review is necessary.