Care home told to take action after fatal fall

A coroner has demanded a care home take action over its observations on residents after a man died in a fall from his bed.

John Riley, 73, was found lying on the floor of his room at The Manor House in North Walsham, Norfolk and died of a neck fracture at the scene, on 9 February.

An inquest last week heard Mr Riley was subject to two-hourly observations, but had not been seen between 03:00 GMT and when he was found on the floor at 05:25.

In a prevention of future deaths report, senior coroner Jacqueline Lake said her concerns included evidence that observations on Mr Riley had been late on 10 occasions in January.

She added The Manor House had taken "some action" to reduce late observations, but the inquest also heard some were still being carried out outside of the two-hour period.

Mr Riley had lived at the home since 2017 and was dependent on others for his care after suffering life-changing injuries in a car crash in 1976.

He was deemed at low risk of falling out of bed, with the bed placed on the lowest setting.

The inquest heard he was found with the bed frame under his neck.

Manor House is under a duty to respond to the report within 56 days.

Healthcare Homes has been approached for comment.

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