Mansfield District Council responds to a Prevention of Future Deaths report from Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire Coroner after a woman who lived in a council property died, the report states that the illness ‘may have been related to mould’.
In her report, the Coroner said: “In the view of history and autopsy findings in my opinion death was due to acute infective exacerbation of interstitial lung disease. Mould in her house could have contributed to the development of interstitial lung disease.”
CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH
From the Cornoner’s Report:
‘Mrs. Bennett lived in a house provided by Mansfield District Council from October 2022 until her final admission to the hospital in late May 23. She identified severe mould in her property.
‘Mrs Bennett had a diagnosis of interstitial pneumonitis made on CT scan 01/04/23 and she then had frequent admissions to hospital with worsening respiratory function in April and May 2023.
‘Mrs Bennett was admitted to ITU for the second time on 28/05/23 with type 1 respiratory failure requiring high flow nasal oxygen/NIV, high dose IV steroids, antifungals and antibiotics throughout her admission. She failed to respond to medical management and sadly died on 8.6.23.
‘The cause of her interstitial pneumonitis is not clear at this stage, but both the Pathologist and the Respiratory Consultant, [REDACTED] in his report to the Coroner dated 26.9.23 (report attached) are clear that the mould may be causal or contributory to her death. This will be further explored at a forthcoming Inquest, date to be finalised.
‘I am concerned that mould in Mrs. Bennett’s property and other properties in that area owned and maintained by Mansfield District Council may pose a risk that future deaths could occur. I ask for the aforesaid properties to be inspected for mould and action be taken to ensure any further exposure to mould by any tenant is minimised.
Jill Finnesey, Head of Housing, at Mansfield District Council said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Jane Bennett and offer our sincere condolences to her family.
“In our response to the coroner, the council seeks to provide certainty that we responded to inspections, successfully completed all repairs, including those relating to damp and mould, in a timely manner. We want to give assurance that the council was diligent in carrying out appropriate works to her property during her short tenancy.
“With regards to the case of Mrs Bennett, the council was made aware of a small amount of mould that was isolated to the bedroom drawers and wardrobe in her property. This was reported and investigated early on in her tenancy. A zero-tolerance approach was taken to mould and proactive mould treatment was undertaken on 11 January following an inspection on 5 January as a preventative measure to minimise any risk to Mrs Bennett’s health and wellbeing.
“We have also evidenced that the property had 17 repairs and maintenance jobs carried out during the tenancy and that Mrs Bennett was provided with advice and guidance throughout her tenancy to support her to manage moisture levels.
“We have provided evidence to support our view that the living conditions in her home were to a good standard. This is supported by the Savills stock condition survey carried out at the property on 6 December 2021 and the timeline of inspections and repairs from October 2022 to April 2023 that the council submitted to the coroner.
“At the coroner’s request, the council has written to 64 neighbouring residents requesting to carry out home inspections and provide advice on how to best deal with damp and mould. To date, we have carried out 41 inspections in those properties, and will continue to work with residents to ensure their homes are maintained to the standards set by the Housing Regulator.
“Other proactive measures the council has undertaken include a social media campaign in November 2023 covering damp and mould that reached nearly 90,000 people. Information on this matter was also included in our annual report to residents which was printed and distributed to every tenant in 2023.
“The coroner will now review the information that we have provided, and we will continue to cooperate with any requests for information.
“The council takes its role as landlord and tenant health and wellbeing very seriously. Any resident with concerns about their council-owned property should contact our customer services team on 01623 463463, email mdc@mansfield.gov.uk or speak to their housing officer to report any issues to us.”
