Newham care home death probed by inquest

An inquest has begun into the death of a care home resident who died from heatstroke during the UK's hottest May day on record. Zola Bitshuangu, 48, was found unresponsive in the garden of Forest Lodge nursing home in Forest Gate on May 24. Temperatures that day exceeded 30C in east London.

Mr Bitshuangu was discovered with a body temperature of 42C. He was taken to hospital by ambulance and later admitted to critical care with multi-organ failure. He died on May 26, two days after collapsing in the garden.

Inquest into care quality

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 hearing was necessary due to concerns about the quality of care provided to Mr Bitshuangu at the nursing home. The home, located at 240 Romford Road, Forest Gate, is operated by Bramley Health.

Mr Irvine said it was imperative to investigate how Mr Bitshuangu was allowed to become hyperthermic and subsequently die. He has requested a statement from the care home manager detailing staff on duty on May 24, as well as statements from those staff members to understand why Mr Bitshuangu was left in the garden during the extreme heat.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) will also be an interested person in the inquest. Mr Bitshuangu's family have been granted interested person status, allowing them to view evidence and question witnesses.