Grandfather-of-ten, 82, dies after falling from a second-floor window at hospital where he was being treated for pneumonia
- Edward Cockburn, 82, died after falling from a window at Sunderland Royal Hospital
- He was being treated for pneumonia and had been set for discharge on March 16
- It is unknown how Mr Cockburn fell from the second floor window on March 15
- South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust are investigating
A grandfather-of-ten died after he fell from a second-floor window while he was being treated at a hospital in Sunderland.
Edward Cockburn, 82, was being treated for mild pneumonia at Sunderland Royal Hospital.
After the fall he was taken to Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, where he was treated for fractures to his pelvis and back, broken ribs, internal bleeding and injuries to his kidney and abdomen.
It is not clear how Mr Cockburn fell from the hospital window near Chester Road, Sunderland.
Edward Cockburn fell from a second-floor window at Sunderland Royal Hospital where he was being treated for mild pneumonia
The granddad-of-ten had been admitted after suffering with a cold and was meant to be discharged on March 16
His eldest daughter Lyn Paolo said: ‘He’s well known in the community and well liked, everybody loves him – he’s like everybody’s granddad.’
Mr Cockburn fell on March 15 and died on March 25.
Melanie Johnson is the Executive Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. She said: ‘Our sincere apologies and condolences go out to Mr Cockburn’s family at this very sad time.
‘We are carrying out a full and thorough investigation into what happened. We are in close contact with the family and will share our findings with them as soon as we are able to.’
It’s not known how Mr Cockburn fell from the window. He was takento Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle with injuries to his pelvis, back, ribs, kidney and abdomen
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust are carrying out an investigation to find out how Mr Cockburn fell from the window
Mr Cockburn, a former miner, was described as fit and healthy for his age.
MP for Washington and Sunderland West Sharon Hodgson said: ‘My thoughts are with Mr Cockburn and his family at this distressing time. This never should have happened, and I have written to Sunderland Royal Hospital for a full explanation as to why it did happen.
‘I am in contact with Mr Cockburn’s family and if they should need any assistance at this time, then they can get in touch with me and I will do all that I can to help.’