Inquest into Northleach MRSA victim heard (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Inquest into Northleach MRSA victim heard

1:13pm Friday 28th November 2008

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AN INQUEST into the death of a dementia victim from the Cotswolds who suffered from 'superbug' MRSA recorded a verdict of death by natural causes this week.

Helen Needham, 82, was a resident at Northleach Court Nursing Home and died at Cirencester Hospital in December 2006 after being taken there for treatment for serious leg wounds caused by pressure sores which were infected with MRSA, the inquest heard.

Gloucestershire coroner Alan Crickmore referred to 'some concerns' that had been put forward about the cause Mrs Needham's death but did not elaborate and said these concerns were not important as far as the inquest was concerned.

Mrs Needham had been admitted to the hospital on November 23 2006 and consultant geriatrician Pippa Metcalf said she required full nursing care due to dementia, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and immobility.

Dr Metcalf told the inquest the two pressure sore wounds around her left knee made the leg constantly bent, making it difficult to keep the wounds clean to heal.

The coroner said it was evident that one of the wounds was infected but it was now known that Mrs Needham had actually died as the result of sepsis caused by a urinary infection.

Consultant pathologist at Cheltenham General Hospital Dr Victoria Petersen said the leg wounds were very clean but tests showed MRSA.

Mr Crickmore said it was clear Mrs Needham had been unable to communicate her needs and the contracted leg masked the severity of the wound.

"There was no evidence of any infection other than the leg ulcers," he said. "I believe Mrs Needham died as the result of a natural disease process."

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