The devastated family of a man found dead in a hotel are demanding to know why the 44-year-old was “evicted” from a care home before being found dead, according to StokeLive.
Michael Walker’s body was found in a Travelodge in Newcastle-under-Lyme after he was banned from going back to NG Healthcare in Trentham and discharged himself from Royal Stoke University Hospital.
An inquest into Michael’s death found he had been staying in the Travelodge for a number of days after receiving emergency accommodation from his social worker while he waited for supported accommodation.
However, on May 10, 2022 he was found dead before he could find a permanent home.
A post-mortem examination didn’t successfully establish how Michael died and North Staffordshire assistant coroner Kelly Dickson delivered an open verdict.
In a statement, his brother Craig Walker told the inquest: “The issue I have regarding his death is why he was evicted when he needed nursing care. He took an overdose when he needed care. I feel let down.”
Michael was a wheelchair-user and had health issues, including heart failure, depression, anxiety, and a personality disorder. He needed one-to-one care and had made previous attempts on his life.
A NG Healthcare manager told the inquest: “He entered NG in December 2021 and came from another nursing home. He needed 24-hour nursing care in giving out his medication and daily care needs.
“He was served an eviction notice in April, 2022. We were no longer able to manage his needs. He was dangerous to himself and other clients.”
Delivering the open verdict, Ms Dickson said: “When he was taken to the Royal Stoke, NG Healthcare served immediate notice and he was not able to return. He required emergency accommodation. He was placed temporarily at the Travelodge. NG Healthcare was no longer able to manage him.
“A request was made by his social worker for him to be provided with a package of care while he was there. That was not done as no care provider was able to provide the carers.
“On May 10, 2022 staff attended his room and found him deceased. There was no sign of a disturbance.”
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