Coroner raises alarm concerns after elderly woman's death

Concerns have been raised by a coroner following the death of a 90-year-old woman who fell at a care home in Teddington. Joan Murphy died on January 30, weeks after falling at Deer Park View care home on January 15. The fall resulted in fractured ribs, which contributed to pneumonia and heart failure, an inquest heard.

Safety concerns highlighted

Melanie Lee, coroner for West London, issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report after the inquest. The report highlighted that Ms Murphy was not wearing a personal alarm and could not reach the emergency call bell located on her bathroom ceiling when she fell. Although Ms Murphy managed to shout for help, the coroner noted that other residents might not be able to summon attention, potentially leading to a prolonged period without assistance.

The report stated that residents at Deer Park View did not have wearable emergency buttons and could not reach bathroom emergency cords from the floor if they fell. Ms Murphy had been at high risk of falls and had moved to the care home for respite after a series of falls at her home over Christmas 2025.

Care home response

Care UK, the operator of Deer Park View, confirmed that wearable alarms were not available at the time of the incident. However, the company stated that alternative equipment, such as sensors and call bells, was in place. In response to the coroner's report, Care UK has since ordered wearable alarms to be available for any resident who requires one.

Liam Jennings, Care UK’s Regional Director, offered condolences to Ms Murphy’s family. He stated that the company carries out thorough investigations when safety incidents occur to identify learning opportunities. Mr Jennings added that additional risk assessments have been implemented at the home, which is currently rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission.

Inquest conclusion

The inquest ruled that Ms Murphy's death was an accident. Her medical cause of death was given as pneumonia and heart failure, following fractures sustained from the fall.