A 77-year-old woman from Bramley died because of complications due to a fall, an inquest heard.

Susan Mary Docwra Douglas, a resident of Maywood House on The Street in Bramley, passed away on November 14, 2020.

The inquest concluded that sepsis, fractured neck of femur, fall, and dementia were the reasons for her death.

She had a past medical history of dementia and anxiety, especially during lockdown.

At an inquest today (Monday, May 17), Winchester Coroner's Court heard that Susan fell from her bed on October 9, 2020.

She was taken to Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, where it was found that she sustained a fractured right neck of femur. Despite operating her hip, Susan developed infections which needed further two washout surgeries.

Coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp told the inquest: “Initially she appeared to do reasonably well, and had started rehabilitation. Then she developed signs of infection. She underwent washout surgery on November 7, and again on November 12.

“Sadly the condition deteriorated, and she died in hospital on November 14 as a consequence of complications due to her fall.

“Susan was born on April 19, 1942, in Middlesex. She was a housewife. Her maiden name was Frost. She was widowed.

“I share my condolences to the family of the deceased who lost their mother.”

Susan’s son Tim Douglas shared a written statement before the inquest, in which he remembered his mother as a happy woman.

He wrote: “My mum was always very mobile, enjoying working at the London Palladium with her dogs until the day came when she was diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia.

“Unfortunately, this went on for three years until her sudden passing, having broken her hip from a fall, whisked into hospital never to return.

“Mum had periods of high blood pressure and borderline diabetes, but generally had good health.

“She lived at Maywood House. My wife and I moved in to be with mum nine years ago after my dad’s passing to help mum. She struggled with her knees, aided by a walking stick sometimes. I assisted her when out shopping and around the house.  We had large grab rails fitted to the doorways.”

Tim said his mother used to struggle because of previous minor injuries suffered while riding horses in the early days.

Before the fatal fall, she had had two major falls on hard ground.

Tim wrote: “I had taken mum to A&E both times, and both times we have been very lucky.

“The Hampshire hospital looked after mum very well. At times she was quite hard, not only having dementia, mum could become quite rude and aggressive towards the end. This was not my mum’s way.

“She was always a happy lady, avoiding troubles. Mum is sadly missed.”