No neglect in woman's care
9:42am Wednesday 13th August 2008
An elderly Falmouth woman who was strapped to a wheelchair and force-fed by her carer was not a victim of neglect, ruled a coroner this week.
Hilda Joyce Foster, 76, known as Joyce, died at Eschol nursing home in Portscatho in September last year, following a period of respite care at the home.
She suffered from dementia and had been cared for by her son Dale Foster and his girlfriend Jacqueline Emberson following a stay in hospital in May last year.
Miss Emberson was Mrs Foster’s main carer and looked after her at Mr Foster’s home in Merrill Place, Falmouth.
Doctor Alison St John, consultant pathologist at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, said Mrs Foster, pictured above, died from pneumonia, but she had also been suffering from extreme malnourishment, bedsores and her toenails were too long.
Questioned as to whether these could be signs of neglect, Dr St John said: “Any one of these things on their own is not significant, but if all three are present it raises the question.”
Coroner Andrew Cox said any shortcomings in the care of Mrs Foster fell a long way short of neglect but highlighted the need for greater communication between carers as he recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.
Detective constable Alan Jordan confirmed there would be no criminal prosecution.
After the inquest, Miss Emberson said she was happy with the coroner’s verdict but was “distressed” by the claims of neglect that were made.
Abridged
SOURCE: Falmouth Penryn Packet
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