Pensioner, 87, who couldn't afford heating died from hypothermia

Pensioner, 87, died from hypothermia after telling doctor she couldn’t afford to heat her home amid cost-of-living crisis, inquest hears

• Barbara Bolton, 87, told her GP that she couldn’t afford to heat her home in Bury
• The widow and former pharmacy assistant was admitted to hospital by her GP
• Ms Bolton sadly died earlier this month after she was placed on end-of-life care

An elderly woman who said she couldn’t afford heating in her home died after developing hypothermia, an inquest has heard.

Barbara Bolton, 87, was admitted to Fairfield Hospital on December 11 last year with the condition, as well as a chest infection, but tragically died on January 5 after a decision was made with her family to place her on end of life care.

Her inquest was opened at Rochdale Coroners’ Court last week. Ms Bolton was taken to hospital by paramedics after an ambulance was called. 

Hospital notes reportedly indicate her illness was linked to the fact she could not afford to put her heating on. 

Barbara Bolton, 87, was admitted to Fairfield Hospital on December 11 last year with the condition, as well as a chest infection, but tragically died on January 5

Police Coroner’s Officer, Jane Scullion, told the hearing: ‘Barbara was admitted to hospital on December 11, 2022, with hypothermia, and a chest infection. 

She was referred to hospital by her GP who said this was related to her not being able to afford her heating.

‘During that time she continued to deteriorate. After a discussion she was placed on end of life care and passed away.’

Assistant Coroner for Manchester North, Julie Mitchell, adjourned the inquest and requested statements from her doctor and asked for a medical cause of death to be provided.

‘Her death was particularly accelerated by hypothermia and there is a possibility of self neglect due to the lack of heating so her death has been referred to the coroner,’ she said.

Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures and requires immediate medical intervention. Causes include not wearing warm clothes in winter, falling into cold water and living in a cold house.

Following the inquest, Ms Bolton’s son Mark, told the M.E.N: ‘We were in contact with her every day and saw her and spoke to her. 

We have to deal with the sad loss now and it’s very hard for me and my family.’

Neighbours of Ms Bolton, who live on Dawson Street in Bury, said they were shocked and saddened to hear of Ms Bolton’s death, and said she had lived there for several decades.

One man said: ‘I think Barbara must have lived here about 50 years. I know that she was working at the chemist in Tesco until fairly recently. It’s so sad.’

Another woman said: ‘I hadn’t seen her in a few weeks. It’s so sad. She was a really nice woman and lived here for years but more recently kept herself to herself.’

A full inquest, which will explore the circumstances which led to Ms Bolton’s death, will take place at Rochdale Coroner’s Court later this year.

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