A 91-YEAR-OLD woman died of severe hypothermia because her room in a care home was so cold, an inquest jury has concluded.

Annie Doreen Barritt died in hospital after being found unwell in her room at Oaklands Country Rest Home, Kirk Hammerton, near York, on November 4, 2012.

The jury at an inquest into her death said in a narrative conclusion: "Her death was a direct result of an inappropriately low temperature in her room on the day of her death and a failure to provide adequate basic care in the home."

It went on to say Mrs Barritt was dependent on others for her care, and died as a direct consequence of 'gross failures' in providing her basic needs that constituted neglect, and which contributed to her death.

It said there was:

  • A failure to adequately monitor Mrs Barritt's condition
  • A failure to provide basic levels of food, drink and warmth
  • A failure at all levels to communicate information to enable the provision of essential care
  • A failure to monitor, report and act on evidence of a cold environment in room 34.

It added: "These failures led to her being accommodated in a cold environment and to the development of hypothermia."

The inquest was told Mrs Barritt was admitted in July 2012 because she was finding it difficult to cope due to advancing dementia.

On October 31, her relatives visited her and thought she felt cold, and expressed concern to the home manager.

On November 4, after a restless night, she was left in bed to sleep and after the 8pm shift change, a carer went to her room and called for an ambulance. The crew found her temperature very low and immediately took her to Harrogate A&E department, where her temperature was found to be 25.3C. She died at 10pm.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the force investigated the matter, and material was passed to Harrogate Borough Council. "No further police action was taken," he added.

A council spokesman said that following the outcome of the inquest, the council - as the enforcing authority - was currently concluding its investigation into the matter.

Maria Mallaband Care Group, which owns the home, said it would like to express its 'deepest sympathies' again to the family of Mrs Barritt.

"At the time of Mrs Barritt's death, we carried out our own investigation into the events surrounding this tragic death and a number of actions were taken at the time," it said in a statement.

"We will now reflect on the evidence heard at the inquest to determine whether there are any further measures that should be implemented."