AN INQUEST has opened on a Chandler's Ford man who died in hospital from an undiscovered head injury.

Ernest Everett, 79, of Chidden Holt, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, died at Southampton Hospital on March 4, a court heard.

Area coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp opened the inquest into his death on Tuesday, April 1, at Winchester Coroners' Court.

Mrs Rhodes-Kemp said that Mr Everett was admitted to the hospital on February 12 after falling down some stairs. No head injury was found on initial examination, with staff believing he had suffered a fall with no injury.

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However, on February 25, concerns were raised about his alertness, with staff initially believing it was due to dehydration.

On March 1, he underwent a CT scan, which showed that he was suffering intercranial bleeding. Over the next few days, he deteriorated and died.

Mrs Rhodes-Kemp said that no CT scan had been carried out when Mr Everett was initially admitted.

The preliminary cause of death has been given as bilateral bronchopneumonia, intracranial injury, atrial fibrillation with apixaban therapy, and Alzheimer's disease.

The full inquest has been adjourned to February 24, 2026 to take place at Winchester Coroners' Court.