Sidmouth woman refused treatment to die at home in peace

A Sidmouth woman refused medical intervention so she could die peacefully in her own bed at home, an inquest heard.

Jean Abbotts, of Meadow Drive, died on May 24 after breaking a femur in a fall 10 days earlier.

Miss Luisa Nicholson, assistant coroner for Exeter and Greater Devon, ruled the 96-year-old widow died as a result of an accident.

The inquest at County Hall heard Mrs Abbotts had signed a document stating that, if anything happened to her, she did not want resuscitation or medical intervention.

The court heard Mrs Abbotts was given painkillers, to help make her as comfortable as possible, until she died. A GP’s report, read in court, said a fractured femur and old age was the cause of death.

A statement by Mrs Abbotts’ son was read out. It said Mr Abbotts had called his mum every day for the last five years, but in the last few years he had noticed her becoming more depressed – her husband died 14 years ago.