OAP death query

May 8 2008 by Kerry-Lynne Doyle, Glamorgan Gazette

A PENSIONER died hours after being sent home from hospital following a fall.

Last year, an inquest heard Mary Land died after being discharged from the Princess of Wales Hospital following a fall at the Heathfields Care Home on Merthyr Mawr Road, Bridgend.

The inquest heard Mrs Land waited in a wheelchair for two-and-a-half hours to be treated in the hospital.

She was sent back to the care home with painkillers. No X-ray had been taken.

Pathologist Dr Philip Brumwell said Mrs Land died from multiple rib fractures and a tear in her aortic valve.

That hearing was adjourned by Coroner Philip Walters for reports from Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, he said: “I think there were justifiable queries about her treatment at the Princess of Wales after her admittance to A & E.

“Hopefully, if people in this situation are admitted again there will be better liaison with the family and that treatment will be appropriate to their needs.”