A CURDRIDGE man died after choking on a pureed food mix at a care home, an inquest heard.

David Wearne, who suffered from physical and mental health problems, died on December 14 at Kitnocks House.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard how the 58-year-old refused medical help for his swallowing problems.

A letter by Dr Alan Mayers, Mr Wearne’s GP, was read at the hearing. Dr Mayers of St Luke’s Surgery in Hedge End explained Mr Wearne had a history of mental health problems and did not want medical input.

He said he had been admitted to hospital several times due to choking in the past and had swallowing and eating difficulties.

The statement said: “Because of his general frailty it was only a matter of time until his aspiration problems led to his demise.”

Giving evidence, Florence Sayekaya, a nurse at the home, told the inquest that a care plan was in place for Mr Wearne.

She said they tried to feed him pureed food, but sometimes he would reject this and find ways to have 'solid' foods, or request solid foods.

Ms Sayekaya said it took into consideration that he disliked ‘medical’ intervention and that carers who fed him had basic life support training, should he have a choking incident.

Feeding Mr Wearne at the time of his death was carer Glen Colinmore who noticed he was struggling and turning ‘blue’.

Mr Colinmore said: “I said David this is not right I need to get the nurse and ran to reception to get them to call the nurse. I knew this was not a normal thing and something was not right.”

A member of staff rushed to the room and he was given oxygen before paramedics arrived but Mr Wearne passed away at the home.

Pathologist Dr Raid Al- Talib said the cause of death was inhalation of food with aspiration pneumonia.

Coroner Sarah Whitby recorded a verdict of accidental death.