
A coroner has issued serious concerns over the treatment of a 58-year-old patient who died after four months in hospital.
David Dugdale was admitted to Eastbourne District General Hospital on 20 January 2024 with pneumonia and gastrointestinal bleeding.
He fell on 8 February.
Bilateral hip fractures were diagnosed nearly two weeks later.
Dugdale received only oral paracetamol for pain despite the fractures and a category two pressure sore.
He lost almost 30kg during his stay.
Carers found him lying in soiled dressings with the pressure sore exposed.
They repeatedly told staff he was in pain.
Their concerns were not acted on.
Ambulance crew later raised issues, leading to increased pain relief.
Dugdale was transferred to Conquest Hospital in Hastings.
He underwent surgery three times.
The pressure sore deteriorated to category four.
He died in May 2024.
Assistant coroner Rachel Redman recorded a narrative conclusion.
She said Dugdale deteriorated after surgery due to co-morbidities and the severe pressure sore.
In a prevention of future deaths report, Redman said little nutritional support was provided despite Dugdale not eating or drinking.
She noted her concerns remained despite trust statements on improvements.
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust runs both hospitals.
It said it has already made changes and will continue work on a detailed action plan.
The trust must respond to the report by 5 March.
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