Leslie Thompson

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

On 20 th March 2025, Alison Mutch OBE, Senior Coroner for Manchester South opened an inquest into the death of Leslie Thompson who died at Tameside General Hospital, Ashton-under-Lyne on 20 th February 2025, aged 94 years. The investigation concluded with an inquest which I heard on 16 th July 2025. The inquest determined Mr Thompson died as a consequence of: 1a) Traumatic acute on chronic subdural haematoma II) Dementia, Frailty of old age, Anticoagulated Atrial Fibrillation, Heart failure At the end of the inquest, I recorded a conclusion of Accident

Mr Thompson died on 20th February 2025 at Tameside General Hospital Ashton-under-Lyne as a  consequence of a head injury sustained in a fall in hospital against a background of a chronic  subdural haematoma and multiple complex health Problems

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 MATTER OF CONCERN is as follows. Mr Thompson sustained the fall in hospital which ultimately led to his death at a point in time where he had been assessed as medically fit for discharge, but was awaiting a physiotherapy assessment. At inquest, the court heard evidence that this hospital (in common with many others) does not have  core physiotherapy services operating at evenings and weekends. I am concerned as to the effects of this in terms of delays to discharge, and the resultant exposure to risk of patients for whom an  acute hospital environment is not most suitable.

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.