Pensioner died after 8-hour wait in A&E

Inquest hears frail patient suffered fall with prolonged delay a factor

- By DAMON WILKINSON

A FRAIL pensioner died after falling and breaking his neck during an eight hour wait in A&E, an inquest heard.

Kenneth Clayton, who suffered from dementia, was taken to Tameside General Hospital after suffering two falls at home. But during a 'prolonged wait' for a bed, the 82-year-old had another 'unobserved' fall, in which he fractured his neck.

He underwent surgery, but 'developed complications' and died on August 23, 2024. Now senior coroner Alison Mutch has written to hospital bosses and the chief coroner raising concerns 'that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.