A daughter said her elderly mother’s death happened after she was released from hospital too early, an inquest heard.

Isabel Kate Crowley died on February 14 at Rose Lawn care home, in All Saints Road, Sidmouth.

The 95-year-old widow died days after she was released from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, where she’d had an operation to fix her fractured hip.

The inquest at Exeter County Hall heard Mrs Crowley had suffered a fall in the night, on January 23. She was found by staff and was taken to hospital.

On January 26, she had an operation to fix her hip and was released back to the home on February 10. She died four days later.

The cause of Mrs Crowley’s death was recorded as an accident caused from a chest infection that was a consequence of her fractured hip.

Mrs Crowley’s daughter attended the inquest, where her statement was read out.

She was told her mother couldn’t return to Rose Lawn after surgery. There were concerns over her memory and a nurse said a nursing home would be more appropriate.

But, after further communications, the home agreed to take the retired school mistress back into their care.

The inquest heard there was a communication breakdown and that the home had not realised how poorly Mrs Crowley was until she had arrived at the home, although her daughter had expressed concerns about her mother being unfit to be released.

A doctor’s statement that was read out to the court said Mrs Crowley was a delightful lady who was a pleasure to care for but she had been suffering with ill heath for some time.

A Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital spokesman said: “We are sorry to learn that Mrs Crowley’s daughter may have concerns about her mother’s discharge from the RD&E.

“If she would like to discuss the matter further with a member of staff, we would be happy to listen to any concerns she may have in line with our complaints and concerns policy.”