Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Catherine Oliver
Ref: 2026-0215
Date: 14 Apr 2026
Coroner: Nicholas Graham
Area: Oxfordshire
0 responses identified · 1 indexed addressee
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AI-generated concerns summaryThe coroner noted concerns regarding hazards created by the prolonged storage of household items in living areas, especially for vulnerable tenants. There was a lack of clear policies governing storage duration during necessary works and mitigating steps for extended storage.
Date
14 Apr 2026
56-day deadline
9 Jun 2026 est.
estimated from the report date
Responses identified
0 of 1
Coroner's concerns
The coroner noted concerns regarding hazards created by the prolonged storage of household items in living areas, especially for vulnerable tenants. There was a lack of clear policies governing storage duration during necessary works and mitigating steps for extended storage.
View full coroner's concerns
During the course of the inquest, the following matters of concern arose.
(a) Hazard created by prolonged storage of household items The storage of large quantities of boxed items within the main living area for an extended period created a significant hazard, particularly for an elderly and potentially vulnerable tenant.
(b) Lack of clear controls or time limits There appeared to be no clear policy or instruction governing: how long household items may be stored within living areas as part of necessary works; or what mitigating steps should be taken when such storage extends beyond a minimal or short-term period.
(c) Risk to other tenants In my view, if similar circumstances were to arise in other properties—particularly those occupied by elderly, disabled or mobility-restricted tenants—there is a risk of future deaths or serious injury arising from restricted movement or trip hazards.
(a) Hazard created by prolonged storage of household items The storage of large quantities of boxed items within the main living area for an extended period created a significant hazard, particularly for an elderly and potentially vulnerable tenant.
(b) Lack of clear controls or time limits There appeared to be no clear policy or instruction governing: how long household items may be stored within living areas as part of necessary works; or what mitigating steps should be taken when such storage extends beyond a minimal or short-term period.
(c) Risk to other tenants In my view, if similar circumstances were to arise in other properties—particularly those occupied by elderly, disabled or mobility-restricted tenants—there is a risk of future deaths or serious injury arising from restricted movement or trip hazards.
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On the 18 December 2025 I commenced an investigation into the death of Catherine Oliver, aged 88 years. The investigation concluded following a hearing on the 13 April 2026.
The conclusion of the Inquest was a short-form conclusion of accidental death, and that Mrs Oliver died following complications arising after a fractured neck of femur sustained in a fall at her home.
The conclusion of the Inquest was a short-form conclusion of accidental death, and that Mrs Oliver died following complications arising after a fractured neck of femur sustained in a fall at her home.
Circumstances of the death
Mrs Oliver lived independently in a property owned by Sanctuary Housing. In the weeks prior to her fall, contractors acting on behalf of Sanctuary Housing carried out works on the property. In order to facilitate these works, items stored in the loft were removed and placed in the living room of the property.
Evidence heard at the inquest established that: The boxes removed from the loft remained in Mrs Oliver’s living room for nearly four weeks. During this period, Mrs Oliver and her family made requests for the boxes to be removed, which were not acted upon. The boxes were stacked in an orderly manner but significantly reduced the available space, leaving a narrow walkway within the living area.
This arrangement materially restricted Mrs Oliver’s ability to move safely around her home.
Mrs Oliver fell in the living room on 8 December 2025 and was later found injured in the confined space between her armchair and the stacked boxes.
It is not possible to determine whether the presence of the boxes caused Mrs Oliver’s fall, and no such finding is made. However, the evidence demonstrated that their prolonged presence created a mobility hazard within the property.
Evidence heard at the inquest established that: The boxes removed from the loft remained in Mrs Oliver’s living room for nearly four weeks. During this period, Mrs Oliver and her family made requests for the boxes to be removed, which were not acted upon. The boxes were stacked in an orderly manner but significantly reduced the available space, leaving a narrow walkway within the living area.
This arrangement materially restricted Mrs Oliver’s ability to move safely around her home.
Mrs Oliver fell in the living room on 8 December 2025 and was later found injured in the confined space between her armchair and the stacked boxes.
It is not possible to determine whether the presence of the boxes caused Mrs Oliver’s fall, and no such finding is made. However, the evidence demonstrated that their prolonged presence created a mobility hazard within the property.
Action should be taken
In my view, action should be taken to prevent future deaths, and I believe Sanctuary Housing has the power to take such action.
Copies sent to
who in my opinion should receive itYou may make representations to me, the coroner, at the time of your response, about the release or the publication of your response. 14th April 2026 [REDACTED] Mr N Graham Area Coroner for Oxfordshire
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Report details
- Reference
- 2026-0215
- Date of report
- 14 April 2026
- Coroner
- Nicholas Graham
- Coroner area
- Oxfordshire
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: 9 Jun 2026 (estimated from the report date).
Sent to
- Sanctuary Housing Association