Emilia ALLSOPP · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 17th January 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of Emilia ALLSOPP. The investigation concluded on the 29th July 2024 and the conclusion was one of Narrative: Died from natural causes exacerbated by the complications of an accidental fall. The medical cause of death was 1a) Lower Respiratory Tract Infection on the background of Left Acetabular fracture II) Dementia, Frailty, Ischaemic heart disease, Congestive cardiac failure.

Emilia Allsopp had dementia, congestive cardiac failure and ischaemic heart disease. She had an accidental fall at the care home where she lived. Initially a fracture was not diagnosed from the x rays. However the following day her pain resulted in her returning to hospital and the fracture being identified. Surgical intervention was deemed inappropriate with her comorbidities. She was treated conservatively. Due to her limited mobility she developed a lower respiratory tract infection when in conjunction with congestive cardiac failure led to her respiratory function being significantly compromised. Her cardiac function was also further compromised by the stress of the fall, fracture and pain. She deteriorated and died at Tameside General Hospital on 15th January 2024.

The inquest heard evidence that Mrs Allsopp had struggled at the care home due to it being an unfamiliar environment. Her family had wanted her to remain cared for by them in a familiar home environment. They felt that if they were properly supported, home would be a safer environment for Mrs Allsopp. However Mrs Allsopp moved to the care home due to a lack of suitable community based support meaning that her family could no longer continue to care for her in the community. The inquest was told by her family that it had proved impossible to get the level of support they needed for Mrs Allsopp in the community as her dementia progressed. This created a situation where she was unsafe in her own home and had to move to a new less familiar setting. Effective dementia support for the family would have meant that could have continued to look after her at home.