Investigation and inquest
On the 15th August 2012 I commenced an investigation into the death of Irene Scholey, aged 73 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 6th November 2015. The conclusion of the inquest was a narrative conclusion (see attached), and the medical cause of death was:-
1(a) Pneumonia and empyema
Circumstances of the death
See attached Narrative Conclusion.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) Mrs Irene Scholey was an elderly and vulnerable 73 year old lady.
(2) In around 2010 Mrs Scholey commenced residing permanently with two of her daughters.
(3) The household was dysfunctional, was an inappropriate environment for Irene Scholey to be living in, and was a risk to her physical and emotional wellbeing.
(4) A safeguarding alert was raised in respect of Mrs Scholey in April/May 2012.
(5) Her wellbeing would have been safeguarded had all relevant agencies been able to access, and to share, information relating to the home environment in which Mrs Scholey was living.
(6) The Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub ("MASH") in Wakefield is a gold standard service providing agencies with access to/sharing of information concerning safeguarding issues in respect of children.
(7) MASH could be extended to include the elderly (65 years and above) and vulnerable adults.
(8) There are many adults in a similar position to that of Irene Scholey in this District for whom MASH would be of enormous benefit.