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Coroner calls for better fire-risk alerts after death of pensioner who smoked in bed
Overview
Following the death of 84-year-old Malcolm Campbell from smoke inhalation after a house fire in South Shields, an assistant coroner has raised concerns with the Department of Health and Social Care. Campbell, who had dementia and regularly smoked in bed, had been prescribed a flammable paraffin-based emollient cream. The coroner highlighted issues including the lack of a prominent fire-risk flag on medical records for prescribed flammable products, the need for care continuity, and considerations around temporary nursing home placements.
Key points
- Malcolm Campbell, 84, died in hospital on 15 January after a fire broke out at his South Shields home.
- Campbell had dementia and was identified as a high fire risk because he regularly smoked in bed.
- A fire investigator suggested that a paraffin-based emollient cream prescribed to Campbell may have soaked into bedding and carpeting, contributing to the fire.
- Assistant coroner James Thompson wrote to the Department of Health and Social Care expressing concern that GPs cannot easily place a prominent fire flag on medical records for patients prescribed flammable products.
- The coroner also recommended better continuity of care through a single allocated professional and equal consideration for temporary nursing home placements.