By A Dublin coroner has ruled that the death of a 70-year-old man who died after falling from a balcony at Beaumont Hospital was a case of misadventure.
The ruling followed an inquest into the death of George Saurin, who suffered severe injuries after falling from a maintenance balcony attached to the neurology ward in October 2021. He later died from complications linked to those injuries.
What Happened at Beaumont Hospital?
According to the inquest, George Saurin had been admitted to Beaumont Hospital after experiencing a seizure-like episode. Medical staff also noted that he had advanced neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, which had progressed rapidly during the previous year.
During his hospital stay, staff reported that he became increasingly agitated and repeatedly attempted to leave the ward.
On the morning of October 11, 2021, nurses discovered his bed empty during a shift change. They found a window behind a privacy curtain open, giving him access to a maintenance balcony that was not intended for patients.
Fall From the Maintenance Balcony
Hospital staff and security officers quickly responded after seeing Mr. Saurin walking along the restricted balcony.
He climbed onto an air conditioning unit positioned near the edge of the balcony. Before staff could safely reach him, he fell approximately two storeys onto the gravel below.
Emergency teams treated him immediately, and he was admitted to intensive care with multiple serious injuries.
Injuries and Cause of Death
Mr. Saurin suffered several major injuries, including:
- Pelvic fractures
- Bladder rupture
- Multiple traumatic injuries (polytrauma)
He was later transferred to Tallaght University Hospital for further treatment.
During his recovery, he developed pneumonia, which progressed to sepsis. Medical evidence presented during the inquest confirmed that these complications resulted from the injuries sustained in the fall.
He died on November 29, 2021, several weeks after the incident.
Coroner Rules Death a Misadventure
Dublin District Coroner Dr. Myra Cullinane ruled the death as misadventure.
A finding of misadventure means that the death occurred accidentally but involved an identifiable risk.
The coroner stated that the unsecured access through the window created that identifiable risk.
She also stressed that the verdict did not place blame on any individual.
Hospital Response
During the hearing, Beaumont Hospital argued that the incident should be recorded as an accidental death rather than misadventure.
The coroner rejected that submission after considering all of the evidence presented.
The hospital also offered a formal apology to the Saurin family, expressing sincere regret over the incident.
