AN investigation has been launched by hospital bosses into the case of a woman who died after developing gangrene in hospital.

An inquest heard that 89-year-old Silence McConnell, of Hyndbrook House, Dale Street, Accrington, was admitted to hospital after a fall at home.

But her son, Terence, said that instead of getting better, she got progressively worse and died two months later.

She died after an above-the-knee amputation to save her from gangrene, which had infected the wound on her leg, the inquest was told.

Mr McConnell, of Banbury Avenue, Oswaldtwistle, told the inquest he thought the problem arose in the first few weeks of his mum's time in hospital.

He said: "What isn't clear is what caused the infection in the leg.

"I don't think we were ever told what it was, and where it came from.

"I have no problem with her treatment on ward four at Blackburn Royal Infirmary. When she had the amputation they gave her all the proactive treatment they could, but it was always going to be a slim chance.

"I am currently discussing issues about my mum's initial care with the Patient Liaison Service, and hope they will be able to give me answers as to what went wrong."

After the hearing, Lancashire Evening Telegraph health expert, Doctor Tom Smith, said, although he was not aware of the facts in the case, the gangrene could have been caused by the germ Clostridium at the time of her fall, or during her stay in hospital.

He said: "People of 89 years of age have very poor immune systems and are less capable of fighting off any type of infection within a wound.

"That, coupled with poor circulation, means that any antibiotics given have only a slim chance of getting to the infection site in significant quantities to fight the infection effectively.

"When someone has gangrene the only option is to amputate as the germs release toxins into the body that will eventually kill.

"Unfortunately gangrene is a recognised complication of wounds in the elderly, and once it develops they are fighting against the odds."

Gary Graham, deputy chief executive of the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, confirmed that the Trust was investigating Mrs McConnell's case internally after Mr McConnell raised concerns about his mother's care through the Patient Liaison Service.

He added: "I would like to express my condolences to Mrs McConnell's family at this sad time.

"It would be inappropriate to comment on Mrs McConnell's care as her son has expressed his wish for the matter to be treated confidentially."

The medical cause of death was given as broncho- pneumonia, with the amputation a contributing factor.

Coroner Michael Singleton recorded a verdict of death as a complication of essential surgery.