Elderly woman died days after falling in hospital

AN 80-YEAR-OLD woman who fell out of a hospital harness onto her head died of natural causes five days later, an inquest heard yesterday.

Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster said Kathleen Donovan, from Ballyphehane in Cork, died in the Mercy University Hospital (MUH) of congestive heart failure.

Dr Bolster said she found no evidence of skull fracture, brain injury or haemorrhage.

While multiple rib fractures discovered during the post mortem were cited as a contributory cause, Dr Bolster said she could not say when the injuries were caused.

Ms Donovan had severe osteoporosis and Dr Bolster said a minor jolt or even a severe cough could cause such fractures.

The inquest heard how Ms Donovan was admitted to MUH on April 4 after a fall at home.

Nurse Una Harrington described how on April 6 Ms Donovan was sitting in a chair in St Joseph’s Ward.

She and porter Gerard O’Regan planned to lift her into her bed using a special hoist.

They strapped Ms Donovan into the harness, running slings around her bottom and back.

They then began to lift her off the chair. Ms Harrington said as the hoist was wheeled away, she moved the chair from under Ms Donovan and then heard a thud.

Ms Donovan had fallen backwards out of the sling and hit her head on the floor. Her lower body was still suspended in the hoist.

Ms Donovan remained conscious and after receiving medical treatment, she was returned to the hospital bed. She died suddenly on April 12.

Death was caused by congestive cardiac failure, Dr Bolster said.

Deputy city coroner, Philip Comyn, recorded a verdict of death due to natural causes.

Solicitor Una Doyle, who was representing MUH, extended her sympathies to the Donovan family. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has today warned of a potential “time bomb” for some homeowners, resulting in attractive properties quickly becoming downmarket.