A vulnerable grandfather with dementia who died had received “substandard” medical care a coroner ruled.

The NHS has apologised and promised improvements have been made after Alfred Simpson, 87, died on December 15, 2016 at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary following a fall in hospital.

His son Andrew “Joseph” Simpson, who acted as his carer for almost a decade following the former bus driver’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, said he was “absolutely disgusted” at his father’s treatment.

He is now in talks with Hull-based lawyers Hudgells who have launched their own investigation into what happened.

Mr Simpson, who lives in Keswick, said: “They messed up. It was a catalogue of blunders. It is disgusting how things like this can go on. I don’t blame the nurses. It’s not their fault. They’re under too much pressure.”

Alfred Simpson, of Whiteside Avenue, Cockermouth was a father-of-seven and had 19 grandchildren. He lived in Keswick for much of his life and worked as a bus driver for many years and latterly at Keswick Climbing Wall.

Mr Simpson was admitted to hospital in Carlisle following a fall on the street in Cockermouth.

He received further treatment at Cockermouth Hospital but was transferred back to Carlisle after he fell again and his son became concerned about his deteriorating condition.

In her summing up at the two-day inquest into Mr Simpson’s death, area coroner Kally Cheema said: “The deceased fell whilst in hospital. He sustained a fractured hip which was successfully operated on. However, he developed post-operative renal failure, in part exacerbated by sub-standard post operative care, from which he died.

“The care afforded to Mr Simpson was substandard, specifically in relation to fluid management and hydration and the monitoring of his renal function.”

A statement on behalf of North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust and Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust promised that steps have been taken as a result of what happened.

It said: “We would like to extend our deepest sympathies with the family and friends of Mr Simpson at this very difficult time.

“We have undertaken an internal investigation which has been shared with the coroner and the family. Although we found some areas of good practice, our investigation showed areas where Mr Simpson’s care was not of the standard that we expect. We sincerely apologise for this.

“Following the investigation we have taken a number steps to improve some specific aspects of care. We immediately implemented a procedure which ensures patients who are admitted with specified traumatic fractures are admitted to the trauma ward for a period of 48 hours after their operation.

“We have also improved our processes to make sure the monitoring of fluids following operations is consistently undertaken and we are rolling out the latest processes which support staff to be able to escalate possible medical issues with their patients at the earliest opportunity.

“We remain committed to delivering the highest standards of care across our services and we reiterate our apology to Mr Simpsons family.”