A hospital has begun a review of procedures for looking after elderly confused patients after an 83- year-old man suffered a 15ft fall from a second-storey hospital window which ultimately contributed to his death, an inquest heard yesterday.
The Mercy University Hospital in Cork has begun a review of its policy regarding the provision of one-on-one attendant care for elderly confused patients.
The hospital has installed new locks on doors and windows following the death of John Mulcahy at the hospital on October 31st, 2006.
Mr Mulcahy, Ashleigh, Ardfoyle Avenue, Blackrock, was admitted to the hospital on October 22nd suffering from a seizure.
But Mr Mulcahy improved the next day and he was being cared for in a four-bed room at St Anthony's Ward when he fell from the window of a storage room.
Dr Terry O'Connor said that prior to the fall, Mr Mulcahy had shown an improvement.
If that had continued, the hospital would have expected to discharge him after a few days, Dr O'Connor said.
However, his condition deteriorated over the following days after the fall and he died on October 31st.
Cork city coroner Dr Myra Cullinane returned a verdict of accidental death.