Bruce Caulfield

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

On 10 th September 2025, I opened an inquest into the death of His Honour Bruce Caulfield who  died at Trafford General Hospital, Trafford, on 19 th August 2025 aged 80 years. The investigation concluded with an inquest which I heard on 4 th February 2026 Having heard evidence at the inquest, I determined His Honour died as a consequence of: a)      Myocardial infarction b)      Coronary artery disease II Acute on chronic subdural haematoma (operated), hypertension, frailty At the end of the inquest, I recorded a narrative conclusion, finding that His Honour Bruce  Caulfield died as a consequence of complications arising from coronary artery disease against  a background of complex health problems including an acute on chronic subdural haematoma  which required surgery and resulted in the need to withhold anti-platelet medication.

His Honour Bruce Caulfield died on 19 th August 2025 at Trafford General Hospital, Trafford as a  consequence of complications arising from coronary artery disease against a background of an acute on chronic subdural haematoma which required surgery, hypertension, and frailty.

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. In relation to events leading up to His Honour’s death at Trafford General  Hospital on 19 th August 2025, I am concerned as to how long transpired between a family member expressing concerns about a significant change in his condition and requesting a review by a doctor, and any medical review actually taking place; Having considered all of the evidence before the inquest with the utmost care, I am concerned that the approach to intentional rounding at Wythenshawe  hospital in conjunction with other relevant nursing practices is insuƯicient to  ensure vulnerable patients (such as those with cognitive impairment or the  inability to eat or drink without assistance) receive adequate hydration and  nutrition whilst on the wards; and Whilst the Ward Manager’s local investigation in relation to the circumstances of a fall His Honour sustained on Doyle Ward, Wythenshawe hospital on 30 th July  2025 has resulted in an important change in practice as regards to  communication between physiotherapy and nursing professionals as to agreed  sitting-out recommendations and prominent documentation of these, I am  concerned that comparable measures may not be in place across the Trust as a  whole.

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.