Glenys Phipps

I am Caroline Saunders, Senior Coroner for the Area of Gwent

On 5/10/2020 an investigation was opened into the death of Glenys Lillian Phipps The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on: 8/12/2022 The conclusion of the inquest was recorded as: Death by Accident. The medical cause of death was: 1a Subdural haematoma 1b Fall

1. Advanced Vascular Dementia. Hip Fracture, CVA, Osteoarthritis, hypertension, Pancreatitis, gallstones, poor mobility

Glenys Lillian Phipps was admitted to hospital on 3/9/2020 for investigations of abdominal pain. Glenys suffered with dementia and was confused in hospital. There was an inadequate assessment of her risk of falling and no personalised care plan was developed to reduce the risk. Glenys fell twice in hospital. The second fall on 17/9/20

During the course of the inquest, evidence revealed matters 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 as follows: – I heard that a key component of the policy to minimize the risk of falls is a thorough understanding of the multifactorial risk assessment process (MFRA) Whilst I was informed that all adult nurses were made aware of the risk of falls during their nurse training, they are not trained in the use of the MFRA. It is clear that newly qualified nurses rapidly assume responsibility for the care of a group of patients, often before they can undertake the MFRA training. The senior nurse who gave evidence and presented the internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mrs Phipps’ death, undertaken by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, confirmed that it would be beneficial to the safety of patients if MFRA processes were taught to student nurses prior to qualification.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action. I should be grateful if the following information be provided to me: In light of the evidence heard, the steps being taken by the training facilities to ensure that nurses are adequately trained in falls risk management prior to qualification.