AN Ulverston woman is likely to have died after choking on food before she was found unresponsive in her bed, an inquest heard.

Carol Healey, who was aged 78, died on March 17 this year.

An inquest into her death was formally opened at Cockermouth Coroners’ Court this week.

This task was performed by Robert Cohen, one of His Majesty’s coroners for Cumbria.

Mr Cohen outlined the reported circumstances of Mrs Healey’s death.

“She was almost bedbound and required significant assistance from carers,” he noted. “Carers attended on the evening of March 16 at about 6pm. They provided her with food.”

At around 8.30pm, a relative of Mrs Healey’s went upstairs to collect a plate and had a chat with her. “She seemed in her usual spirits,” said the coroner.

That relative had gone back downstairs and then went upstairs at around 9.30pm to the bathroom.

“He looked into Mrs Healey’s room and noticed her sleeping in the same position,” said Mr Cohen. “He then woke up the next morning, went upstairs again to use the bathroom. He looked into Mrs Healey’s room and found her in the same position.

“He then went inside and it was discovered she was unresponsive. It appears likely that Mrs Healey died as a result of choking on food.”

Formal identification had been confirmed by Mrs Healey’s son.

Mr Cohen concluded: “In the circumstances it is appropriate that I should open an inquest into her death and I do so.“

He adjourned the hearing to a preliminary date of September 3 this year when a full inquest is due to take place.