Investigation and inquest
On 21st March 2016 an investigation was begun into the death of Olive Wilmott, who died on 30th December 2015. The investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on 20th June 2016. The conclusion of the Inquest was that Olive Wilmott died as a result of the effects of a urine infection and severe Dementia, with a hip fracture which she suffered at Coppice Lodge Residential Care Home on 6th December 2015 being a contributory factor, and a Narrative Conclusion was recorded.
Circumstances of the death
Miss Wilmott was found on the floor of a communal area of the Home, having fractured her hip. The exact cause of this event remains unknown.
Coroner’s concerns
1. That there were references in the medical records to Miss Wilmott possibly having been pushed, but no or no effective investigation of the circumstances was made at the time and no Safeguarding referral was made.
2. That Miss Wilmott was assessed as requiring observation at 15 minute intervals, but there was no evidence that this had been in place and at the time of the event there were insufficient staff in place for her and other residents’ needs (one staff member dedicated per floor of the dementia unit during the night shift).