Murphy fell in the bathroom at Deer Park View on January 15, 2026. She was considered at high risk of falls and had moved to the home for respite care after a series of falls at home over Christmas 2025. She was not wearing a personal alarm and could not reach the emergency cord hanging from the ceiling. She shouted repeatedly for help and strained her voice.
She was taken to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, where doctors found fractured ribs. Murphy died on January 30. An inquest recorded her death as accidental; the coroner listed pneumonia and heart failure, followed by fractures resulting from a fall, as the medical cause of death.
West London coroner Melanie Lee issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report. She warned that other residents might be unable to shout or attract attention and could remain on the floor for an extended period. The report noted that questions about why Murphy did not have a wearable alarm had not received an answer.
Care UK, which operates Deer Park View, said wearable alarms were not in place at the time. It said other equipment, including sensors and call bells, was available and that it had since ordered wearable alarms for residents who need them. The company also said it had introduced additional risk assessments and other improvements.