Concern over nurse shortages after woman's death

Susan Clissord scalded her leg with hot coffee which led to a burn which required regular dressing

A coroner has raised concerns over the impact of district nurse staff shortages on appointments after a woman died of sepsis.

Susan Clissold, 72, required district nurses to attend weekly to dress an infected burn and a pressure sore.

In a prevention of future deaths report, area coroner for Norfolk, Jacqueline Lake, said that on several occasions there was not sufficient staff for Mrs Clissold to receive a visit from a district nurse.

The Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust, said: "We'd like to express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mrs Clissold. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide comment further to the information that is detailed in the report."

Mrs Clissold was registered blind and had multiple sclerosis and had carers visit four times a day.

She had a pressure sore which required visits from district nurses.

On 29 April 2024, Mrs Clissold scalded her leg with hot coffee and the burn required regular dressing.

Hospital admission

On 15 May, Mrs Clissold was admitted to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital with a temperature, low blood pressure and symptoms of infection and was treated with IV antibiotics and fluids.

While at first her condition improved, she deteriorated to the point where a referral for palliative care was made on the 31 May and she died on the 9 June.

In a prevention of future deaths report, Ms Lake found while district nurses were required to attend to the 72-year-old on a weekly basis, on several occasions they did not appear due to not having sufficient members of the team available.

Evidence heard that individual cases are becoming more complex involving greater input from the community nursing team and a greater number of patients needing support.

The report said the Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust had taken steps to try and ensure there was sufficient staff to attend to patients in the community, including relocating staff and prioritising patients.

However, evidence heard staff were not able to attend every appointment as required.