Pensioner, 87, died from hypothermia after telling doctor she couldn't afford to heat her home

An elderly woman who said she couldn’t afford heating in her home died after developing hypothermia, an inquest has heard.

Barbara Bolton, 87, was admitted to Fairfield Hospital on December 11 last year with the condition, as well as a chest infection, but tragically died on January 5 after a decision was made with her family to place her on end of life care.

Hospital notes reportedly indicate her illness was linked to the fact she could not afford to put her heating on. 

Police Coroner’s Officer, Jane Scullion, told the hearing: ‘Barbara was admitted to hospital on December 11, 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.

‘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,’ she said.

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