A KIDNEY transplant patient who discharged himself from hospital later died from Covid-19, an inquest heard.

James Openshaw, aged 47, was a Type I diabetic, partially sighted and was supported by carers from Spa Road based Your Life Your Support for 20 hours each day.

In May 2019 he received a kidney transplant but, at Bolton Coroners’ Court, senior coroner Timothy Brennand heard how medical professionals and his carers were concerned that Mr Openshaw was not managing his diet properly.

“As a consequence of the choices he was making for himself, these were resulting in hypoglycemic attacks,” said Mr Brennand, who summarised documentary evidence.

Reading a report from Mr Openshaw's GP, Mr Brennand said: "It seems that the deceased was advised to cut down, in particular, his wishing to drink alcohol, despite his diabetic condition."

In the early hours of November 12 last year, after a stay in the Royal Bolton Hospital, he discharged himself, summoning a taxi to take him back to his home in Delamere Gardens, Bolton.

Mr Brennand heard that, while in hospital Mr Openshaw had spent time on a Covid ward but tested negative for the illness.

But on his return home the court heard how he was not eating and drinking properly and his blood pressure dropped. "Throughout the course of that week he began to deteriorate very rapidly," said Mr Brennand.

He was reluctant to return to hospital until eight days later, when he was admitted to the Salford Royal Hospital suffering from pneumonia and sepsis and he tested positive for coronavirus, as did two of his carers.

His condition continued to worsen and family members were able to be with him when died on December 8. His cause of death was recorded as due to Covid -19, Type I diabetes and the implications of a kidney transplant.

"The medication required to prevent rejection of the kidney transplant would have rendered Mr Openshaw more at risk of viral and bacterial infection," said Mr Brennand.

Recording a narrative conclusion Mr Brennand stated Mr Openshaw died "as the consequence of a combination of naturally occurring viral infection, naturally occurring disease and the exacerbating effects of recognised complications of immunosuppression following a necessary renal transplant".

Mr Brennand commented that Mr Openshaw was "something of a challenging patient" for the medical staff and carers who looked after him in the community.

He said: "The evidence gives a very clear indication that there were extensive challenges, for not just the patient but his carers. I am left with the overwhelming sense that nothing more could have been done for this gentleman — in fact I would go as far as to commend the carers for their hard work and dedication in this most difficult of cases."

No family or friend were present at the hearing.