Care home resident died of heatstroke, inquest hears

An inquest has been opened into the death of a 48-year-old care home resident who died from heatstroke after being left in the garden on a day of extreme heat. Zola Bitshuangu was found unresponsive by carers at Forest Lodge care home in Forest Gate, East London. His body temperature was recorded at 42C before he was taken to hospital, where he died two days later.

Inquest opened due to care concerns

The inquest into Mr Bitshuangu's death was opened at East London Coroner's Court on September 10. Senior coroner Graeme Irvine stated that the death was referred to the court due to concerns regarding the quality of care provided to Mr Bitshuangu at the nursing home. Mr Irvine said it was imperative to open an inquest to understand how the vulnerable man became hyperthermic and died.

May 24 was recorded as the hottest May day in UK history, with temperatures exceeding 30C in East London. Mr Bitshuangu was found unresponsive in the rear garden of the care home. He was taken to hospital by ambulance and admitted to critical care with multi-organ failure. He died at 5.30pm on May 26.

Statements to be obtained

The senior coroner indicated that a statement would be required from the care home manager, including a list of staff on duty on the day of the incident. This is to understand the circumstances surrounding Mr Bitshuangu being left in the garden during the hot weather. Mr Bitshuangu's family and the Care Quality Commission have been granted interested persons status, allowing them to view evidence and question witnesses.