A TWO-DAY inquest into the death of a 67-year-old grandmother who fell from a fifth floor balcony in Southmead Hospital last August awaits its conclusions.

Carolyn Brock, a voluntary patient at the hospital in the Oakwood ward, was found at 11am on August 21 in the atrium of the Brunel Building.

She had applied for local leave, to go out onto the hospital grounds, before going up the lift to the fifth floor.

Today at Avon Coroner’s Court, senior coroner Maria Voisin heard that Filton resident Carolyn had a history of anxiety, blood pressure and depression prior to her death, culminating in being admitted to A&E a month before she died, after an attempted overdose.

The attempt came two years after her son had taken his own life, and she had also seen a doctor for stress related problems following her recent retirement.

Speaking at the inquest, Dr Jacek Kolsut, a consultant psychiatrist, said that Carolyn had discussed her depression and anxiety and had said a treatment plan could work, adding that “She wanted more for her life. There was a plan in place to keep her going."

Dr Kolsut said however that her risk of suicide was medium to high and that an investigation report found the care plan was "not sufficiently robust" to assess her suicide.

The court later heard from a psychologist and an occupational therapist who had worked with Carolyn in the weeks before her death about how her therapy and interaction with others had seemingly improved.

OT Karen Pratt said that she had been making pleasant conversations with other people in the group, and smiling as well.

Questions were raised from evidence today after a nurse, healthcare assistant and occupational therapist all claimed to have seen nothing in handover notes regarding any potential increased risk and an “over reliance” on Carolyn declaring she was ok.

Melanie Warren, the nurse in charge of the ward on the day Carolyn died, said that she had also asked for local leave the day before, and that her eye contact was good, she was warm and reactive.

She said: "I asked her if she had any thoughts to harm herself, and she said no. I asked if she had any plans to harm herself, and she said no.”

Mark Bunker from the AWP Trust was next to speak, detailing a long list of where the trust needs to improve, including care plans and hand overs.

The inquest has been adjourned until tomorrow, with senior coroner Maria Voisin expected to give her conclusions, formerly known as the verdict, to the court.