Brenda Fisher

I am Chris Morris, Area Coroner for Greater Manchester (South).

On 20 th February 2025, an inquest was opened into the death of Brenda Fisher who died at Stepping  Hill Hospital, Stockport on 16 th January 2025, aged 86 years. The investigation concluded with an  inquest which I heard on 23rd June 2025. The inquest heard evidence that Mrs Fisher died as a consequence of: 1)a) Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis; b) Cellulitis from leg ulcers; II Rhabdomyolysis following long lie; heart failure At the end of the inquest, I recorded a conclusion of Accident.

Mrs Fisher died on 16th January 2025 at Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport as a consequence of  complications arising from wounds initially sustained in a minor accident at home which would not  heal as a result of her complex underlying health problems. Mrs Fisher’s death was contributed to by Rhabdomyolysis.

During the course of the inquest the 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. – The court heard evidence that on her final attendance to hospital, Mrs Fisher was cared for in the  Emergency Department’s ‘Rapid Assessment and Triage’ Corridor for at least 23 hours before a bed was found for her. Whilst the Trust has undertaken a number of steps locally to mitigate the risks associated with this  practice, I am concerned that there remains a residual and inherent risk of death arising from patients remaining for lengthy periods in areas not designed or intended for undertaking  observations and providing care.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and your  organisation have the power to take such action.