A Hampshire pensioner died after lying trapped in her bath in agony for more than a week. Irene Vyse slipped and knocked herself unconscious while she was trying to get out of the bath, an inquest heard.
The 81-year-old, who lived alone, spent eight days lying helplessly in six inches of water before a neighbour phoned the police. A concerned newspaper delivery worker had raised the alarm after not seeing Miss Vyse for several days. Miss Vyse died next day at Southampton General Hospital of multiple organ failure, hypothermia and decomposition of both legs.
Winchester Coroner’s Court heard how PC Scott Graham broke into Miss Vyse’s bungalow in Mill Lane, Romsey, after hearing a faint cry for help while calling for her through her letterbox.
PC Graham, based at Romsey police station, said: “I shouted through the letterbox and thought I could hear a faint reply. I was hit by a pungent smell. I pushed open the door and then walked into the room. As I looked to my right I saw Irene lying naked in the bath. Most of the bathwater had been removed. I picked up a bath towel and covered her dignity.
“I could see that her skin had turned black under the water level. I talked to her but she was unable to answer as her lips were blistered and sealed close.” He added that Miss Vyse became more talkative after he gave her several glasses of water. An ambulance was called and she was taken to the General Hospital.
Doctors said there was nothing they could have done to save her life. She died the next day surrounded by her family.
No comments:
Post a Comment