Hospital death: widow seeks changes over 'lack of care'.

A widow asked the University Hospital of Morecambe Bay Trust for changes after her husband died following an unwitnessed fall while at Furness General Hospital; the trust said it has identified and implemented actions including a staff-break protocol and extra handover training.

John Hatfield, 79, died on 31 December 2024 after an unwitnessed fall while under observation at Furness General Hospital and subsequent treatment. His widow, Gabrielle, told the University Hospital of Morecambe Bay Trust board she did not want to make a formal complaint but wanted changes across wards to address what she described as a lack of care. The trust board discussed the incident and reported that several actions had been identified and implemented. The ward staff were described as shaken by the event and trust leaders said lessons focused on reinforcing expected duties. Key points: - Mr Hatfield, 79, died after an unwitnessed fall at the hospital and later underwent surgery and rehabilitation before his death. - Mrs Hatfield told the trust board she would not pursue a formal complaint and asked for changes to practices across wards. - The trust said it has introduced measures including a protocol for staff breaks to support continuous observation and additional training to improve handovers. - The family reported major weight loss during Mr Hatfield's admission and said they had not been aware of the Care Partner Programme that might have allowed family assistance at mealtimes. Summary: Mrs Hatfield has asked the trust to make practical changes following her husband's death and the trust reports it has already put some actions in place. Undetermined at this time.