Derek Russell
23 Apr 2021 · Coroner Scott Matthewson · Mid Kent and Medway
The coroner's concerns
1. chronic shortage of falls alarm equipment
“The shortage of falls alarm equipment was a long-standing problem and pre-dated the Covid-19 pandemic”
2. future patients denied falls alarm equipment
“Patients who are assessed as requiring falls alarm equipment in future will not receive it due to chronic shortages of that equipment in the Medway Maritime Hospital”
3. increased risk of fatal falls and injuries
“By failing to provide adequate falls alarm equipment, patients are at increased risk of falling and sustaining fatal injuries (or injuries such as fractures and brain injury that that can lead to immobility, susceptibility to infection and death)”
4. compromised staff monitoring of patient falls
“The ability of clinical staff to monitor and reduce the risk of patients falling and sustaining fatal injuries is seriously compromised by the lack of this basic safety equipment and is putting lives at risk”