A PENSIONER died from complications following surgery for a fall which occured a year before, an inquest heard.

Retired seamstress Joan Porter, 73, of Mellor Close, Burnley, slipped and fell while out walking her dog in May 2006, Burnley Coroner's Court was told.

But while she initially appeared to have recoved from the incident, she later required corrective surgery in January 2007.

The inquest heard that Mrs Porter's condition gradually deteriorated, over a number of months, and she died on May 30.

"Our main contention is why the infection was not spotted soon enough," said Harold Green, Mrs Porter's brother.

But East Lancashire coroner Mr Richard Taylor said that the hydrocephalus was a recognised complication of the surgery.

Recording a misadventure verdict, Mr Taylor said all surgery carried risk.

Mrs Porter's family was also concerned about the number of times she was transferred between Burnley General, the Royal Preston and Pendle Community hospitals.

But Mr Taylor said the transfers had not contributed to her death