A pensioner died from hypothermia after telling her GP that she could not afford her energy bills.
Barbara Bolton, 87, tragically passed away on January 5 with the condition, as well as a chest infection. Before being admitted to hospital, Barbara had disclosed to her GP that she was struggling to heat her home in Bury.
Barbara's doctor had previously admitted her to hospital on December 11 last year after a decision was made by her family to place her on end of life care, reports the Manchester Evening News.
READ MORE: Edinburgh rape crisis centre closes waiting list with huge backlog in funding row
An inquest into her death heard how she was a mother and a widow and had previously worked as a pharmacy assistant.
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.
Following the inquest, Ms Bolton's son Mark, told the MEN: "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 was heartbroken to hear of her passing, saying she had been a member of the community for 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.
READ NEXT:
Plush Edinburgh city centre hotel launches completely free 'warm workspaces'
Edinburgh Airport welcomes new daily flight to tourist hotspot this summer
East Lothian snapper captures mesmerising Northern Lights from local beach
Photos show progress of former Edinburgh clinic being transformed into flats
Edinburgh detectives appeal for information following 'knife attack' in capital
