A MAN who fractured his hip and wrist in a fall at a care home died at Southend Hospital, an inquest heard.

Noel Allen, 79, of Rose Martha Court, in Leigh, was admitted to Southend Hospital on January 4, He was suffering from a fractured right wrist and complaining of discomfort in his right hip after being found by staff.

Mr Allen, who was a life-long smoker and suffered from dementia, died from pneumonia after spending eight days at the hospital.

Southend Coroner’s Court heard despite several attempts to conduct scans and X-rays to discover the extent of the damage, Mr Allen was in such a state of confusion, they could not be carried out.

A post mortem examination revealed Mr Allen had been suffering from pneumonia as well as the fractures, both of which caused his death.

Two of his daughters, Rosemary Wright and Elaine Kirwan heard how the hospital has introduced improved levels of communication between staff.

These include digital and hand-written handover notes.

The changes followed their complaints about the treatment of their father regarding the administration of pain relief.

Coroner Dr Peter Dean recorded a narrative verdict of death following complications from a fractured hip against a background of significant pre-existing natural disease.