Investigation and inquest
On 20th February 2025, an inquest was opened into the death of Brenda Fisher who died at Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport on 16th January 2025, aged 86 years. The investigation concluded with an inquest which I heard on 23rd June 2025.
The inquest heard evidence that Mrs Fisher died as a consequence of:
1)a) Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis;
b) Cellulitis from leg ulcers;
II Rhabdomyolysis following long lie; heart failure
At the end of the inquest, I recorded a conclusion of Accident.
Circumstances of the death
Mrs Fisher died on 16th January 2025 at Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport as a consequence of complications arising from wounds initially sustained in a minor accident at home which would not heal as a result of her complex underlying health problems. Mrs Fisher's death was contributed to by Rhabdomyolysis.
Coroner’s concerns
The court heard evidence that on her final attendance to hospital, Mrs Fisher was cared for in the Emergency Department’s ‘Rapid Assessment and Triage’ Corridor for at least 23 hours before a bed was found for her.
Whilst the Trust has undertaken a number of steps locally to mitigate the risks associated with this practice, I am concerned that there remains a residual and inherent risk of death arising from patients remaining for lengthy periods in areas not designed or intended for undertaking observations and providing care.