A Watford woman died from a respiratory illness days after being released from hospital following a fall, an inquest was told.

Hertfordshire Coroners Court heard that Annie Doncaster, 87, died from bronchopneumonia at Fairhaven Residential Care Home in Park Avenue on Tuesday, June 24.

But the court was told that Ms Doncaster contracted the illness while recovering from a fractured pelvis which she had received days before in the Park Avenue care home.

The care home told the inquest that Ms Doncaster would move round the care-home with a walking stick, but would go to her room in the lift and to the shops in a wheelchair.

Edward Thomas, Hertfordshire’s senior coroner said: "There was a discussion between the family and the nurses’ home as to whether she would remain in hospital or whether she might be better going back to her normal residence.

"Her daughter was in agreement with the plans [for Ms Doncaster to return to the care home.]"

"The post-mortem examination did confirm early symptoms of bronchopneumonia. It also confirmed that, she basically had a condition in relation with her age.

"Therefore the cause given by the post-mortem examination is bronchopneumonia and I am going to list osteoporosis as a second condition.

Mr Thomas revealed there were also signs of a urine infection.

Bronchopneumonia is a condition where the lungs become inflamed and reduces the ability to draw in oxygen.

Mr Thomas told the court that the condition had not developed while she was having tests at Watford General Hospital, citing that physical tests showed no signs, but they had developed while she was recovering from the fall.

He said: "It is not unusual for someone who has fallen to have respiratory problems after the trauma of having the fall.

"The fall was an accident, so I am recording an accidental death verdict."

In his closing remarks, the coroner read a message from the family praising the care home.

It said: "The family said that they feel she could not have been in a better place and they have looked after her very well.