A MENTALLY-impaired woman's death came as a "surprise" because she was unable to communicate her symptoms to carers.

Betty Williams, of Bromwich Road, Worcester, died of an "unusually severe" case of inflammation of the epiglottis and larynx, causing obstruction to her breathing.

At her inquest at Stourport-on-Severn Court House yesterday, Worcestershire coroner Victor Round said the inflammation had probably been caused by flu, which had caused bacterial infection.

He added that it was an unusual situation.

Unexpected

"In other words, it was a natural form of death but it was surprising and unexpected because the patient was not able to communicate her symptoms."

Miss Williams, aged 64, had lived at the Mencap Home, in Bromwich Road, for 13 years but would go to Osborne Court care home, in Malvern, for respite care.

It was while she was at Osborne Court that she died, the inquest heard.

She had gone to bed at 8pm, having been given two kinds of laxatives, which was "not unusual for her" according to Mr Round.

"But when care staff checked her, she had heavy diarrhoea and was semi-conscious and her breathing was hampered."

Staff called an ambulance and tried to resuscitate her but Miss Williams died that night, on Wednesday, August 7.

Mr Round recorded a verdict of natural causes.