A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER has died 12 days after falling from the window of a York care home.

Dora Strickland, 90, died in York Hospital after falling approximately six metres from the second floor window at Red Lodge in Hawthorne Terrace, New Earswick.

Police were called to the scene to reports that a 90-year-old woman had fallen from a window at the care home, where Mrs Strickland’s widower Jack also lives, on November 1.

A postmortem examination found that Mrs Strickland’s death on November 12 was caused by bronchopnumonia and internal injuries due to trauma.

John Kennedy, director of care services at Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust which runs Red Lodge, said: “On November 1, a resident at Red Lodge in New Earswick, York, fell from a second floor window.

Tragically, she passed away on November 12.

“We immediately informed all the relevant authorities including the Police, Health and Safety and the Care Quality Commission. There will be a Coroner’s inquest and we will continue to support the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. We are unable to comment further at this time.

“Our thoughts are with her family at this very distressing time and we extend our deepest sympathies to them.”

Police said there are not thought to be suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

An investigation into what happened is being conducted by City of York Council to “establish the facts surrounding the incident and to determine if any further action needs to be taken”, Sean Suckling, food and safety unit manager at City of York Council, said.

The Health and Safety Executive said it had been initially informed of the incident but said the matter was one for City of York Council to investigate.

An inquest was opened and adjourned on November 16 pending further enquiries.

The funeral of Mrs Strickland was held at York Crematorium Chapel on Monday.

A spokesman for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) said it had conducted a responsive review into care and the safety of the environment at Red Lodge following Mrs Strickland’s death and would publish its findings in December.

The spokesman said the organisation was aware of the council’s investigation and would be working to support it.