Nikolas Clarke acted for the local authority at an inquest into the death of CE who died aged 91 in December 2020. She was looked after at home by her son, with a care package funded by the local authority.
There were suggestions that an untreated pressure ulcer and a delay in the arrival of a hoist, ordered to support her care, had contributed to a deterioration in her health.
Background to the inquest
CE had a history of severe dementia. She also had hypertension and arthritis. Her care at home was complex and impacted by the Covid pandemic.
In the months leading up to her death, her health worsened, she was bed-bound and her nursing needs increased.
In August 2020, district nurses noticed she had a pressure ulcer, which had developed to Grade 2 by October 2020.
By the time she was admitted to hospital in December 2020 and given antibiotics, the pressure ulcer was Grade 4.
She continued to deteriorate and died later that month.
Inquest
The inquest had been delayed for administrative reasons but took place over 5 days in late June. It considered whether there were any contributory factors to CE’s death.
Coroner’s conclusion
The coroner stated that the medical cause of death was septicaemia, infected pressure sore Alzheimer’s and hypertension.
He gave a narrative conclusion.
There was no prevention of future deaths report.