Police investigating Grandad's death

[CheesyBadger]

My grandad died last week from antibiotic associated diarrhoea which led to C.Difficile colitis. Many many gaps in info and what we feel was inadequate care.

I was going to write a complaint but my nan asked me not to. However, we have been informed today that the police are involved in an enquiry into his death and there will be a hearing.

Does anyone know or have any experience in what happens now?

We are lost

[caketinrosie]

Hi cheesy, so sorry to hear your news you are clearly devastated. Any death that isn't easily explained or expected needs to be investigated by the coroner. The police work as officers for the coroner. Their job is to explain to the coroner why your grandad died, what led to it and who or what medical condition caused his death. The coroner will hold an inquest and will issue a cause of death. The inquest is in a court building but is as informal as it can be. The reason for all this is not usually that anything untoward had gone on. Please try not to worry but if you need to get more info contact your local coroner to ask. He or she will be more than happy to explain the processes and help you understand. The police are just part of the team and nothing to be frightened or worried about. I really hope you get the answers you need.

[CheesyBadger]

Thank you so much for your reply, makes sense

He did take them by surprise when he died and they did unauthorised DNR and nobody knows why. We are wondering if nobody noticed he had died as he was in a side room and not on a monitor.

The ward called my nan to say he was very poorly then when they got there 15 minutes later, he had died and was all tidied up ready to go in and see. All sorts are going round our heads... Was he really dead when they phoned?

Also they then asked if they could put norovirus down ad cause of death as it was easier and would avoid further investigation. The cause if death was signed off as colitis but by the head doctor or specialist of some kind. The bereavement office even commented that you don't see his signature often.

All this accompanied by 3 weeks of daily calls to the doctor and no action. Antibiotic associated diarrhoea is given preventative antibiotics in some hospitals so not to spot something so common and treatable is terrible.,

Anyway, somebody in the system has raised it so hopefully we will get some answers, although fault it neglect will be very upsetting for my poor nan

[caketinrosie]

That sounds awful. I lost my dad 3 years ago and got a similar call but due to winter weather I crashed my car on the way to the hospital and by the time I got there he was gone. It's so sad to miss those final hours makes it all the more difficult. Eventually though it does get easier i promise. I hope your nan gets all the answers she needs. Don't feel you can't make a complaint, it's not unusual in the nhs. You can also make an appointment to speak to his consultant to discuss your grandads care which again is not unusual and may be something your nan is more comfortable doing. Older people often feel they should not make a fuss, but it's not about that, it's about finding out all the information so you understand why your grandad died. It can help massively. No one will bat an eyelid and you should come away feeling that you have done all you can. Big hugs

[CheesyBadger]

Thanks for the reply, that must have been awful for you. I think we are going to call the coroner as we are confused. You're right, my nan doesn't want fuss but I really think peace will only come with answers

[CheesyBadger]

Mn is helping massively may I add

[caketinrosie]

Good stuff. My ds spoke to her dh's consultant after he died. It made a huge difference. And helped remove some of her anxieties. Big hugs for all x