Investigation and inquest
On 10th October 2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of Walter Willows dob 19th December 1937. The investigation ended on the 24th February 2015 and the conclusion was one of Accidental death. The medical cause of death was 1a asphyxia 1b Choking on food II. Coronary Artery Atheroma
Circumstances of the death
On the 3rd October 2014 he was at his home address. He ate a crumpet and choked. This led him to asphyxiate.
Coroner’s concerns
During the course of the inquest hearing I was told, inter alia, that the Care Plans for such clients were reviewed on a three monthly basis. This included their specific feeding regimes. In the case of Mr Willows it was apparent that this should have been looked at far more frequently so as to adjust his diet to suit his swallowing ability. I took the view that these plans (and especially that part relating to feeding) should be examined more frequently and it was within the power of yourselves to arrange for this to happen.