Death to be investigated

THE death of a care worker who died after contracting Covid-19 in the early stages of the pandemic will be investigated, a coroners’ court has heard.

Alexis Adshead, of Cambrian Avenue, Gilfach Goch, died on April 23 last year after contracting Covid-19. Mrs Adshead, 58, worked at Ty Eirin in Gilfach Goch.

On Friday a pre-inquest review took place at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court where the coroner discussed the potential scope for the hearing.

No evidence has yet been heard but matters were discussed as to how the death will be investigated going forward.

Senior coroner for South Wales Central, Graeme Hughes, said the possibility of a conclusion of industrial disease could not be ruled out at this stage. He said although Covid-19 was a natural illness there could be scope to examine the potential of anything that could have led to culpable human involvement.

Speaking of the possible conclusion of industrial disease, Mr Hughes said: “My provisional thoughts are that it is possible for that conclusion. If the evidence allows it could be, on the balance of probability, that the Covid-19 may have been due to behaviour at work and that industry then caused Mrs Adshead’s death. I will revisit that once I receive some more evidence.”

Mr Hughes said further statements and evidence would now be gathered over the coming months.

The hearing was told that additional statements required would come from members of staff, including one person who worked in the same bungalow and with the same residents as Mrs Adshead during March 2020.

Another statement will come from a member of staff who had time off work between March 2020 and April 2020 and who later had an antibody test.

It was said things to be discussed could include the risks and advice relating to Covid-19 at work at the time as well as advice surrounding personal protective equipment (PPE).

Mr Hughes also ordered Public Health Wales to issue a statement to the coroners’ office by May 28 to help with the investigation.

He said: “Public Health Wales will file a statement as to what guidance was available to care homes such as Ty Eirin in relation to PPE for care workers from March 16, 2020, onwards.”

Mr Hughes added that Mrs Adshead’s death has undoubtedly been “tragic” for the family and offered his condolences to family and friends.

The full inquest into Mrs Adshead’s death is currently set to take place on February 9, 2022. It is estimated the hearing will last for two days.