Allan Taylor

I am David Place, His Majesty’s Senior Coroner for the City of Sunderland

On 6 th February 2025 I commenced an Investigation into the death of Mr Allan Taylor,  who died in Sunderland Royal Hospital on 1 st June 2024 aged 90 years. The Investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on 5 th March 2025. I gave a narrative conclusion ‘Natural causes contributed to by the physiological strain of  necessary surgical procedure to a fractured neck of femur following an unwitnessed fall in hospital.’ The medical cause of death was: – Ia Myocardial Infarction Ib Hypertension Ic Chronic Kidney Disease II Frailty of Old Age, Fractured Neck of Femur (Operated)

Allan was admitted on 28th May 2024 to Sunderland Royal Hospital following an unwitnessed fall at home with a long lie. Upon admission to hospital Allan was assessed as requiring Level 1 EICO observations, and this was upgraded to Level 2 at 19:14hrs on 29th May 2024 due to concerns around  Allan’s confusion. Allan had been placed in a Side Room 1 due to concerns regarding possible clostridium difficile infection, which was later confirmed positive after tests. Allan had been assessed by a physiotherapist on 29 th May 2024 that he needed minimal assistance to mobilise with the assistance of one person and a wheeled Zimmer frame. Allan had an unwitnessed fall on 29th May 2024 at 23:20hrs, with the evidence suggesting that he had moved to the end of his bed to negotiate the bed rails and then walked unaided  for approximately 5 metres before falling, resulting in a fractured right neck of femur,  which required necessary surgical intervention, as immobility posed a significant risk to  him. Noise from his room had alerted a nurse who found him on the floor between the bed  and the en-suite bathroom. On 30 th May 2024 Allan was moved to an orthopaedic ward in preparation for surgery. Following an uneventful induction of anaesthesia on 1 st June 2024, Allan became  hypotensive on the operating table and went into a cardiac arrest. Allan passed away whilst in theatre due to the physiological strain of the surgery.

During the course of the Inquest the evidence revealed a matter giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the  circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are: –

1. The evidence confirmed that the guidelines for Level 2 EICO observations, which  required a nurse to be within sight or sound of Allan, were not complied with as Allan was in a Side Room 1, which was not within sight or sound of the nursing station. It  has been explained that the geography of that ward is such that this is the furthest side room away from the nursing station, and a vestibule is before it.
2. The evidence was that this was not escalated to the Matron or Site Manager, which may have resulted in the movement of an additional member of staff to ensure  compliance with the EICO Level 2 observations.
3. The evidence was that had Allan been within sight or sound for observations, it was likely that upon Allan attempting to get out of bed, assistance could have been  provided to him, which in turn may have prevented the fall.

I shall be glad to be told of any learning arising from this death and timescales and results of your review.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action.