Retired Cheshire naval officer died after fall at home

Jun 12 2008 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

A RETIRED naval officer died after a serious fall at his home, an inquest heard.

Peter Boyle, 88, of Broomheath Lane, Tarvin, a former deputy director of navy supply and transport with the MoD, died at the Countess of Chester Hospital on November 16, 2007.

Mr Boyle, married to Celia, 83, had suffered from poor health for many years, having mobility and sight problems as well as undergoing several operations, including a hip replacement in 2004.

He was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer and was increasingly unable to get around due to osteoarthritis of the spine.

His daughter, Madeleine Shepherd, said he had one or two falls before, but always managed to get up after a short rest, adding that he was a proud man and did not like to ask for help.

However, at around 4am on November 8, Mr Boyle fell in the bedroom and was unable to get up.

Paramedics gave him morphine for the pain and took him to the Countess of Chester Hospital but existing complications meant staff were unable to immediately treat his back.

His stiffened spine had suffered a serious fracture, causing swelling which had effectively blocked his bowel.

This in turn had an effect on his digestive system, eventually leading to aspirational pneumonia.

Mr Boyle became increasingly unwell and his condition deteriorated rapidly. He died in hospital on November 16.

The cause of death was established as an accident.