Missed chances led to Legionnaires death - inquest
Family handoutA 91-year-old care home resident died following a number of "missed opportunities" to prevent her from contracting Legionnaires' disease, an inquest's jury said.
Rhoda Freedman had been living at Wensley House in Epping, Essex, for a year before she was blue-lighted to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow on 13 May 2024.
Freedman died five days later, on the evening of 18 May.
Following a four-day inquest at Seax House in Chelmsford, the jury concluded: "The death of Mrs Freedman was a consequence of numerous missed opportunities giving rise to the presence of Legionella bacteria in the water system at Wensley House and this led to Mrs Freedman developing bronchopneumonia."
Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection most commonly contracted through the inhalation of water droplets containing legionella bacteria.
Health issues
During the first day of the inquest, the jury heard that Freedman, who was deaf and a wheelchair user, arrived at the hospital confused, agitated and clinically dehydrated.
Freedman moved into the home after a fall and the inquest heard she had health issues including vasculitis, hearing loss, type 2 diabetes and had chronic kidney disease and she had been living with a pacemaker.
Shortness of breath, high temperature and chest pain or discomfort are symptoms of Legionnaires' disease.
The inquest, which concluded on Monday, heard that Freedman was an avid reader, enjoyed watching shows such as ITV's The Chase in order to keep her general knowledge sharp and was frequently visited by her family.
Wensley House has been approached for comment.
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