Woman dies from hypothermia after telling GP she ‘couldn’t afford heating’

An 87-year-old woman died after she said she couldn’t afford heating in her home and developed hypothermia, an inquest has heard.

Barbara Bolton was admitted to Fairfield Hospital on December 11th last year with hypothermia, as well as a chest infection.

An inquest opening at Rochdale Coroner’s Court heard she was admitted to hospital by her general practitioner and that she had disclosed to her doctor she had not been able to afford heating at her home on Dawson Street in Bury, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.

Barbara tragically died on January 5th at Fairfield General Hospital after a decision was made with her family to place her on end of life care. The inquest heard she was a mother and a widow who had previously worked as a pharmacy assistant.

Police Coroner’s Officer, Jane Scullion, told the hearing: “Barbara was admitted to hospital on December 11th  2022, with hypothermia and a chest infection. She was referred to hospital by her GP who said this was related to her not being able to afford her heating.

“During that time she continued to deteriorate. After a discussion, she was placed on end-of-life care and passed away.”

Assistant Coroner for Manchester North, Julie Mitchell, adjourned the inquest and requested statements from her doctor, and asked for a medical cause of death to be provided as she said: “Her death was particularly accelerated by hypothermia and there is a possibility of self-neglect due to the lack of heating so her death has been referred to the coroner.”

Following the inquest, Barbara’s son Mark told the M.E.N: “We were in contact with her every day and saw her and spoke to her. We have to deal with the sad loss now and it’s very hard for me and my family.”

Neighbours of Barbara said they were ‘shocked’ and ‘saddened’ to hear of her death, and said she had lived there for several decades. One man said: “I think Barbara must have lived here about 50 years. I know that she was working at the chemist in Tesco until fairly recently. It’s so sad.”

And, a woman said: “I hadn’t seen her in a few weeks. It’s so sad. She was a really nice woman and lived here for years but more recently kept herself to herself.”

A full inquest, which will explore the circumstances which led to Barbara’s death, will take place at Rochdale Coroner’s Court later this year.