Inquest adjourned into Middleton man's fall death

An inquest into the death of a pensioner who fell at the Royal Oldham Hospital has been adjourned to allow hospital bosses to answer criticisms.

John Hooper (77), of Mellalieu Street, fell and banged his head while going to the toilet on 13 January. He died the next day.

Mr Hooper, affected by long-standing health problems, was admitted to the Royal Oldham last December for a colectomy. He suffered infections but began to improve and was due to move to a rehabilitation ward.

He used a walking frame and sticks to walk, but wasn’t safe or steady on them.

His partner Patricia Green, from Bolton, was told by a senior nurse that Mr Hooper walked past the nurses’ station on his way to the toilet in the night but wasn’t offered help. The fall took place moments later and was witnessed by the nurses.

Coroner Simon Nelson said Mrs Green’s evidence had raised concerns not addressed in statements he had received from Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital.

He added: “The Trust needs to respond to the additional criticisms that have been raised this afternoon as they are tantamount to neglect.”

Mr Nelson adjourned the hearing to a later date to allow hospital staff to attend.