Inquest decides Conquest fall led to pensioner's death

Douglas Dickenson, 86, of Colebrook Road, Bexhill, fell while he was using the toilet at the Conquest Hospital.

An inquest into his death was held on Wednesday at Hastings Magistrates Court.

Coroner Alan Craze heard the pensioner was prone to falling and had been admitted to the Conquest in July after falling at home. He had to crawl back to his bedroom as he could not move his legs.

The pensioner spent seven weeks at the Conquest before he went home on August 19.

But a month later Mr Dickenson had another fall and was found at the end of his bed.

He had felt dizzy while going to the toilet.

Dr David Warden, the pensioner's GP, said Mr Dickenson had a history of suffering from hypertension and breathlessness. He also suffered from heart disease.

Dr Stuart Barnes, pathologist, said Mr Dickenson died due to bronchitis and a brain haemorrhage caused by his fall.

The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.