What happened to David Ward at St. George's Hospital?

David Ward, 76, died on February 10, 2024, from a head injury sustained in an unwitnessed fall due to lack of nursing supervision.

Why did Dr. Debapriya Ghosh die at St. George's Hospital?

Dr. Debapriya Ghosh, 83, died on February 11, 2024, after an accidental fall resulting from inadequate nursing supervision.

What is the cause of patient falls in overstretched hospitals like St. George's?

Patient falls in overstretched hospitals are often caused by inadequate nursing supervision, lack of risk assessments, and failure to provide appropriate care due to high demand and limited resources.

Home / Health / Hospital Overstretch: Two Deaths in Unsupervised Falls

Hospital Overstretch: Two Deaths in Unsupervised Falls

11 Jan

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Summary

Two elderly men died from injuries after unwitnessed falls.
Inquests found neglect due to lack of nursing supervision.
Coroner warned of impossible situations due to resource strain.

Two men have died at St. George's Hospital in Tooting within a day of each other due to injuries sustained in unwitnessed falls. David Ward, 76, died on February 10, 2024, and Dr. Debapriya Ghosh, 83, passed away the following day. Both were admitted with serious health issues and, according to inquests held on December 2, 2025, died as a result of accidents contributed to by neglect.

Ward, admitted for frailty and confusion, was not risk-assessed, and received no significant nursing care after February 8, 2024. Ghosh, admitted with delirium and heart issues, spent hours in a corridor due to A&E busyness before being placed in a bed. His nursing risk was not reassessed until nearly midnight, and he fell around 08:30 GMT on February 10, 2024.

The Senior Coroner for Inner West London has warned the Health Secretary about "impossible situations" where demand outstrips resources, potentially leading staff to leave. While St. George's Trust claims immediate changes were made, including increased staffing and safety rounds, shifts remain "exceptionally busy," highlighting ongoing risks despite implemented measures.