A mum who had been an alcoholic for the past 20 years of her life died following a fall at her home.

An inquest held today at Cornwall's Coroner's Court in Truro (Wednesday, January 29) heard how Elaine Jeffery, from Wadebridge, fell outside of her home in September 2024 and was taken to hospital.

She suffered a hip fracture and required surgery to pin it. The surgery went well but she returned to the hospital in November with an infection which led to sepsis.

Despite efforts to treat the infection she did not respond to medication and a decision was made to move to palliative care. The inquest heard how Ms Jeffery, 63, had several health conditions.

They included heart disease, alcohol excess, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes and more. She sadly passed away on December 18, 2024, at Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

Where to get help for problems with drugs or alcohol

Cornwall's Drug and Alcohol Team advises that the best thing to do if wanting help for drug and alcohol problems is for people to contact charity With You if they've been affected by any of the issues raised in the article.

A spokesperson said: "With You is the first port of call for drug and alcohol problems in Cornwall, not just for people who have problems themselves, but equally family members who are worried."

With You, formerly We Are With You and Addaction, provides a free and confidential service without judgement to young people and adults experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health right across Cornwall.

Visit www.wearewithyou.org.uk to find your nearest service. You may also wish to seek advice from your GP, who can advise you about your medication intake.

In a statement provided by her family, they said they accepted the cause of death, that she'd been an alcoholic for 20 years and suffered a fall at her home.

Concluding the inquest, the senior coroner for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Andrew Cox made a narrative conclusion. He said: "She died from a known complication of a medical procedure." He concluded by giving his condolences to the family for their loss.

Following her death, a funeral notice published in the Western Morning News described Ms Jeffery as a "dearly loved mum" to two daughters and a much-loved daughter herself. She was also described as a "cherished" sister. It said: "Elaine will be missed by all that knew her."

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