Investigation and inquest
On the 6th of January 2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of Nancy Hughes (DOB 26.06.30, DOD 03.01.14). The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 11th of June 2015 and I recorded a conclusion of an accidental death. The cause of her death being due to 1 (a) Bronchopneumonia and Congestive Cardiac Failure (b) Fractured Neck of Femur (Operated) and Arterial Atheroma (c) Fall 2. Alzheimer's Disease
Circumstances of the death
The Circumstances of the death are that the Deceased was a lady with Alzheimer’s Disease and had been a patient on the T offers? Wan Ward at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in June 2013 and had been placed on Risperidone before her discharge to a local care home at the beginning of July 2013. There was no review of this medication undertaken contrary to accepted medical practice and she fell at the care home on the 16th of December 2013 fracturing her hip. She underwent an operation to repair the fracture the following day but then had a further unwitnessed fall in hospital on the 28th of December whilst sitting out. She declined thereafter and passed away on the 3rd of January 2014.
Coroner’s concerns
1. That there was no review of her medication in accordance with accepted medical practice and no system in place to ensure that this was undertaken.
2. That the evidence given by ████████ Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon suggested that there was no cohesion between mental health treatment and medical treatment such that whilst receiving medical treatment he would not have access to mental health information relating to a patient and as a result there may be no consideration given to the care given to vulnerable patients requiring additional support.