Coroner's Finding: Underwood, Richard

97y · Male·respiratory failure attributed to aspiration pneumonia on a background of advanced dementia, fractured neck of femur (surgically repaired), and gastrointestinal tract haemorrhage

Richard Underwood, aged 97, died from respiratory failure due to aspiration pneumonia on a background of advanced dementia, a surgically repaired neck of femur fracture, and gastrointestinal haemorrhage. He was admitted to hospital in late September 2019 with behavioural changes and suspected infection, placed under Mental Health Act inpatient treatment orders, and sustained two falls during his hospital stay, including the hip fracture that required surgery on 12 October 2019. His physical decline was marked by poor oral intake, increasing oxygen requirements, and bleeding. By late October, a palliative care pathway was established and his mental health order was revoked. He died on 6 November 2019. The coroner found the circumstances were not suspicious and raised no concerns about his care, making no recommendations.