Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Ann Wells

Ref: 2014-0401 Date: 11 Sep 2014 Coroner: Jacqueline Lake Area: Norfolk Responses identified: 0 / 1 View PDF

A light switch and emergency call switch were positioned beyond the reach of a frail patient from her bed, and no risk assessment had been conducted for placing her in that particular room.

Date 11 Sep 2014
56-day deadline 6 Nov 2014 est.
Responses identified 0 of 1
Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths

Coroner's concerns

AI summary
A light switch and emergency call switch were positioned beyond the reach of a frail patient from her bed, and no risk assessment had been conducted for placing her in that particular room.
View full coroner's concerns
(1) A light switch was positioned on the wall beside Mrs Wells’ bed (see attached photograph). Mrs Wells was 77 years of age, frail with scoliosis, osteoarthritis and a tremor and walked with the aid of a 3 wheeled frame. Evidence was given that this could have been reached by Mrs Wells when in a sitting position in bed. Photographs taken of the bedroom do not support this. Further the emergency call switch is situated next to the light switch.

(2) No risk assessment had been carried out with regard to Mrs Wells being placed in this particular room.

Report sections

Investigation and inquest
On 30 December 2013 | commenced an investigation into the death of ANN MARY WELLS, AGE 77 YEARS. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 2 September 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was medical cause of death: 1a) Traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage b) fall with head injury; and short-form conclusion: Accidental Death.
Circumstances of the death
Mrs Wells was resident on Sandringham Ward, Julian Hospital, Norwich (providing care and treatment for those with complexities in later life) and was mobile with the aid of a 3 wheeled frame. Mrs Wells was assessed as being at risk of falls. A Falls Care Plan was in place. On 21 November 2013 Mrs Wells was found on the floor of her room. She told staff she had crossed her room to switch on her light. There is a light switch and a call bell on the wall beside her bed where she was sleeping. Mrs Wells was taken to hospital, returned to Julian Hospital and then readmitted to hospital. She had another fall. Her condition deteriorated and Mrs Wells died on 28 December 2013.
Action should be taken
In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and | believe your organisation has the power to take such action.
Copies sent to
Date: 11 September 2014One. aJacqueline Lak Senior Coroner for Norfolk

Similar PFD reports

Shared signals

Related inquiry recommendations

Similar themes

Report details

Reference
2014-0401
Date of report
11 September 2014
Coroner
Jacqueline Lake
Coroner area
Norfolk

Responses identified

Responses identified 0 of 1
1 response not yet linked

Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 6 Nov 2014 (estimated).

Sent to

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

Source links