Man with dementia died after rapid health decline in care

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 11:33 · Archive

Colin Flatt, 81, died in September 2021 after his health rapidly declined following hospital and care home admissions.

Colin Flatt, 81, died on 7 September 2021 after his health rapidly declined following admissions to three hospitals and two care homes between May and September that year. He was admitted to Hallmark Anisha Grange Care Home in Billericay on 7 July for a four-week trial. The care home's general manager told an inquest that Mr Flatt was initially 'pleasant and charming' on arrival but deteriorated rapidly during his two-week stay. The Colchester Gazette reports he was found trying to dig under a fence to escape the home.

Mr Flatt's partner of 19 years said he had been very fit and active before his health deteriorated. She first sought medical help after noticing he was unusually tired and recording a low blood pressure reading. His primary cause of death was recorded as a lung infection, damage to the inside of his lungs, and his heart not working properly, causing blood overload. The inquest is being held at Seax House in Chelmsford as part of the wider Lampard Inquiry into mental health deaths in Essex.

How it is being reported

• 'Charming' man with dementia tried to dig under fence to flee care homeA "PLEASANT and charming" man who was unwell with dementia was found trying to dig under a fence to escape a care home, an inquest has heard.Colchester Gazette · 22 Oct, 10:00
• 'Charming' man with dementia tried to dig under fence to flee care homeA "PLEASANT and charming" man who was unwell with dementia was found trying to dig under a fence to escape a care home, an inquest has heard.Echo (Basildon) · 22 Oct, 10:00

In this story: Colin Flatt · Melanie Leahy · Hallmark Anisha Grange Care Home · Billericay · Chelmsford · Essex · North London NHS Foundation Trust

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