Inquests into deaths of elderly patients – understanding the cause of death
Inquests relating to the deaths of elderly individuals are a significant aspect of a coroner’s work, particularly when the cause of death is unknown, or the death was violent or unnatural.
rnhile natural deaths in the elderly are often certified by a doctor and do not require an inquest, a coroner may investigate further or hold an inquest if the cause of death is not clear, or if the death was not expected. The latest available statistics from the government found that of the inquests completed in 2022, 57% – the majority – related to persons who were aged 65 years or over at time of death.
Recently, our clinical negligence team has been dealing with an increasing number of cases and enquiries relating to elderly falls and pressure sores, either in the hospital or community setting. The consequences are often devastating for the individual and their families, leading to the loss of function and independence in daily life, or even death. We have handled several inquests where elderly and vulnerable patients have sadly died as a result of poor standards of nursing care, sustaining catastrophic injuries.
The inquest process is not designed to attribute blame for an individual’s death. It is largely a fact-finding mission, aimed at determining the answers to four key questions: a) who has died; b) when they died; c) where they died and d) how the death occurred and the sequence of events which led to the death.
By representing bereaved families at inquests, we aim to help them explore their concern about the circumstances which led to the loss of their loved one. We carry out investigations prior to the inquest, including reviewing medical records, taking statements from family members and obtaining expert evidence. This enables us to make representations to the coroner prior to the inquest about documentation that ought to be considered, and the witnesses who should be called to give evidence. This ensures that the family has the best possible opportunity to have their questions explored at the hearing and get the answers they desperately seek. Normally, we will arrange for counsel to represent the family at the inquest to facilitate this process.
Another vital function of an inquest is to identify areas where improvements can be made so that standards are raised. In the medical field, this can range from recommending higher staffing levels, to different systems of working and improved processes, for example.
Every year over 600 reports aimed at ‘preventing future deaths’ are prepared by coroners in England and Wales, which are published on the judiciary website. We find that it can be of great comfort to families to see efforts being made to improve standards, and thus preventing the same ordeal happening to another family in the future.
