A coroner has called for changes to the disposal of latex gloves following the death of a 78-year-old woman with dementia who choked on one at a care home. Irene Collins died on June 16, 2018, at Firbank House in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, after a glove became wedged in her throat.
An inquest at Stockport Coroner's Court heard that Mrs Collins, who had Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, was found dead in an armchair. A post-mortem examination revealed a latex glove 'firmly' lodged in her larynx, causing an upper airway obstruction. A Home Office pathologist noted that her dementia may have contributed to 'abnormal behaviour' but could not determine how the glove became stuck.
The court was told that Mrs Collins had previously placed foreign objects in her mouth, including a crayon and flowers, but these incidents were only reported to management after her death. Senior care assistant Kim Green said staff had since locked away all latex gloves and improved care plans and reviewing systems.
Former manager Tina Riley, who worked at the home from April to July 2018, said she had been implementing a service improvement plan to enhance record-keeping. She stated that Mrs Collins was 'always in view of staff', though there were likely periods without direct observation.
Mrs Collins' daughter Tracy described her mother as 'very happy, loving, a very jolly person, always smiling'. The inquest continues.
