Gordon Atkinson

PFD Report Historic (No Identified Response) Ref: 2015-0311
Date of Report 7 August 2015
Coroner Ian Arrow
Response Deadline ✓ from report 2 October 2015
Coroner's Concerns (AI summary)
The report identifies that the deceased appeared to be living in unsuitable accommodation, neglecting himself, and had an inappropriate care package.
View full coroner's concerns
In the circumstances it is my statutory to report to you: _ [BRIEF SUMMARY OF MATTERS OF CONCERN] The deceased appeared to be living in accommodation that was unsuitable: (2) On the evidence it was clear that the deceased was neglecting himself: In particular; his sister pointed out that his bed was soiled with faeces and remained unchanged: (3) It appeared from the evidence at the Inquest that his care package was inappropriate 3 The Crescent Plymouth, PLI 3AB Tel 01752 204 636 Fax 01752 313297 Artery Leg The duty
Sent To
  • Plymouth City Council
Response Status
Linked responses 0 of 1
56-Day Deadline 2 Oct 2015
About PFD responses

Organisations named in PFD reports must respond within 56 days explaining what actions they are taking.

Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

Report Sections
Investigation and Inquest
On 18/02/2015 | commenced an investigation into the death of Gordon Eric Atkinson, 80 The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 07 August 2015. The conclusion of the inquest was NATURAL CAUSES AGGRAVATED BY SELF-NEGLECT The deceased died in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth on 6 February 2015. He had an unwitnessed fall against an oil filled fire towards the end of 2014 which resulted in burns_ He had numerous falls, he had mental capacity, he neglected himself in his own accommodation: His medical cause of death was (a) Bronchopneumonia and Coronary Disease II Infected Chest and Wounds
Circumstances of the Death
The deceased was divorced gentleman who lived alone in a Caravan at 19 Valley Walk, Glenholt; Plymouth: He had lived there since the 1970's following a divorce. The caravan was in poor condition, damp and had no running hot water: The deceased spent the majority of his time in his living room where he slept and ate mainly in his chair: He had twice weekly visits from the District Nurse Team. It appears that South Western Ambulance Service called on seven occasions at his address following falls: On 9 January he was admitted to a Care Home and then to a Nursing Home. He was admitted to Hospital where a safeguarding concern was raised. matter was investigated byL of Devon and Cornwall Police Public Protection Unit: She will be making a Report to Plymouth Adult Safeguarding Board.
Action Should Be Taken
In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe that Plymouth Council have the power to take such action: would ask please that the provision of care packages to vulnerable individuals who live alone, particularly in accommodation of the type occupied by the deceased (ie caravans without hot water) should be reviewed: understand_ will be drawing the matter to the attention of the Adult Safeguarding Board of which Plymouth City Council is a member:
Related Inquiry Recommendations

Public inquiry recommendations addressing similar themes

Care homes in scope for new regulatory regime
Fuller Inquiry
Care home safety and capacity
Service change continuity plans
Vale of Leven Inquiry
Care and discharge planning
Continuing responsibility for care
Mid Staffs Inquiry
Care and discharge planning
Follow up of patients
Mid Staffs Inquiry
Care and discharge planning

Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.