Marjorie Wood · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 18th April 2016 I concluded the Inquest into the death of Marjorie Wood date of birth 22.08.1918 who died on the 02.12.2015. The cause of death was 1a)Bronchopneumonia 2) Advanced Alzheimer’s Dementia and CVA

I recorded a natural causes conclusion.

The Court heard evidence that the deceased had a history of dementia and was residing at Timperley Care Home. She had been found deceased at the care home on the 02.12.2015. The death was reported to HM Coroner as she was said to be subject to a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguarding Application (DOLS).

An Inquest was opened and evidence requested from Timperley Care Home. Several requests for evidence were ignored by the Care Home so a full hearing had to take place.

At the Inquest the Manager ████████ was unable to confirm whether in fact the deceased was subject to a DOLS application as Timperley had no information from the Local Authority as to whether this had been authorised.
No efforts had been made to contact the Local Authority to obtain this information by the Care Home.

They did not know whether the deceased was or was not subject to a DOLS or whether this made any difference to the care and treatment she required.

A DOLS application had in fact been in place since August 2015.

Whilst there was no evidence in this case that the lack of clarity or knowledge in this particular case made a difference to the deceased, it is important that there is a full understanding of the legal status of an individual who is in a care home as this may impact on their care and treatment needs.