THE family of a woman whose death sparked a series of changes in how a hospital treats elderly patients has urged people to voice any concerns they have about a loved one’s care.

Mother-of-three Hazel Besbrode died at the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham, on September 15 last year.

The 75-year-old retired PA from Bowburn, County Durham, was admitted after becoming unwell at home which meant she was unable feed herself.

She was treated for seriously low levels of potassium but a series of conditions developed and two months later she died of multiple organ failure caused by a perforated abscess on the bowel.

Though pathologist Dr Paul Barrett told an inquest, at Crook Civic Centre yesterday (Thursday, April 30) that there was no evidence that malnutrition or dehydration were a factor in her death, Mrs Besbrode’s family voiced concerns over her care on Ward 1, particularly the lack of food and drink she consumed - resulting in her losing 12kg between July 15 and August 28.

Trust representatives said a review of her treatment had highlighted areas for improvement.

Matron Claire Beckwith said lessons have been learnt and an audit in April rated the ward at 91 per cent, compared to an earlier rating of 76.55 per cent.

Staff received extra training, the dietetic department is now more proactive and there is better use of a red tray system to identify which patients need help to eat and drink.

The nursing and clinical staff work closer together with regular meetings and shared paperwork and there is more involvement with mental health, physiotherapy and occupational therapy teams, she said.

Ward manager Desiree Burdess added: “We recognise in some areas things weren’t done as quickly as should have been, that has led to change.

“I feel it has already started to make a difference, we have come a long, long way.”

Assistant coroner Dr Leslie Hamilton concluded that Mrs Besbrode died of natural causes and said he was impressed by the Trust’s response.

He said: “Hazel’s death has contributed to significant changes.”

After the hearing Mrs Besbrode’s daughter Ruth Ward, of Witton Park, said: “The fact there has been so many changes highlight how mum was failed completely.

“If she had been nourished all those things may have been able to be treated, her clinical notes show she had been undernourished for nine weeks, if not she certainly would have been stronger.”

Mrs Ward said the family has a civil case against the Trust and urged others with concerns over treatment to voice them.

She said: “I would stress to other families, if they have had failings they should continue with the fight no matter how painful. Every family that speaks out could be saving another patient.”