Investigation and inquest
On 16/01/2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of Ida Jean Toole, ages 82 . The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 2ⁿᵈ May 2017. The conclusion of the inquest was that she died as the result of an accident.
Circumstances of the death
Mrs Toole suffered an unwitnessed fall at Water Hall Care Centre on the 10th January 2017 and suffered a head injury. She died at Milton Keynes Hospital on the 14th January 2017. Her cause of death was given as 1a) Pneumonia 2) Acute on Chronic Subdural Haemorrhage
Coroner’s concerns
During the course of the evidence I was told that Mrs Toole did not have a sensor mat alongside her bed despite having been assessed as a high risk of falling. The reason for this, I was told, was due to the fact that Mrs Toole had mental capacity. The policy for provision of sensor mats to high risk residents should be urgently reviewed.