It was alleged Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust had failed to carry out adequate falls risk assessments for an elderly lady being admitted to hospital. She should have been noted as being at very high risk of falls and pressure sores.

It was alleged that the 91 year old lady’s previous health problems were not given enough consideration. These included; Impaired eyesight, dementia with confusion, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, angioplasty left leg in 2002, CVA (stroke), anaemia, COPD and atrial fibrillation.

After being in hospital for 2 days the lady fell, fracturing her ankle. This was inoperable, given her frail state and she remained immobilised and deteriorated in hospital. She sustained pressure sores and eventually died about 7 weeks after her initial admission.

Liability was only partially admitted and the claim was eventually settled for £15,000.