Inquests opened into the deaths of six St Luke’s care home residents

Emma Jones, partner in the human rights team, and Izzy Piper, solicitor at law firm Leigh Day, are representing six families in inquests relating to the deaths of elderly people at the home. 

The deaths of Leonard Allen, Winifred Tubb, Raymond Thomas, Victor Collinson, Patricia Clee, and Barbara Jeffers had previously not been reported to the Cheshire Coroner’s Court.  

However, following the findings of an investigation by Leigh Day into their care at St Luke’s care home, a request was granted by the Chief Coroner for the inquests to be held. 

The inquests opened on 10 December 2025 at Cheshire Coroner’s Court, where HM Senior Coroner Jacqueline Devonish read out the names of the deceased. The inquests were adjourned, and the first inquest is due to take place on 23 November 2026.

Following the hearing on Wednesday 10 December 2025, Kylie Gobin, the daughter of Winifred Tubb made a statement on behalf of the families. Kylie said:

"On behalf of the families, we appreciate the senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish, opening the inquests.

"The families deserve to know answers to the questions that they have been asking of CQC and Halton Borough Council for two years.

"We can’t change the past, but we can change the impact on the future of other service users and try and prevent psychological and physical harm occurring to other service users.

"All family members wanted was answers, and lessons to be learnt instead we believe professionals, Halton Borough, and CQC as a provider have not been transparent. We welcome the inquests and hopefully family members can find some peace knowing we have tried to prevent further serious incidents and deaths occurring to other service users."

Human rights partner Emma Jones said:  

“The opening of these inquests marks a crucial milestone towards justice and answers for the families. 

“The families are grateful that HM Senior Coroner Jacqueline Devonish accepted the request to consider opening inquests into the deaths of their loved ones, and trust that the investigation will be transparent, effective and thorough. We will be asking to consider joining a number of agencies to be part of the inquest to ensure that all of the issues and concerns can be examined.”

Separately their families are now pursuing civil claims. Concerns shared by the families include inadequate falls prevention, failure to provide adequate personal care, failure to provide suitable dementia care, failures in carrying out risk assessments, poor implementation of care plans, and issues with infection prevention and control. It is the family’s belief that the care and treatment accelerated their loved ones’ decline, contributing to their deaths. 

Leonard Allen  

Leonard suffered at least 11 falls during his time at St Luke’s. After a fall on 12 May 2023, the following day (13 May) the home called for an ambulance. An assessment with paramedics suggested that Leonard had had a stroke, and he was transferred to Whiston Hospital where he died on 16 May 2023. 

Winifred Tubb  

Winifred experienced 32 falls at St Luke’s. On 11 October 2021 she was hospitalised with a broken hip and pubic bone. She died on 28 December 2022. 

Victor Collinson

Three weeks after being admitted to St Luke’s Victor was admitted to Warrington Hospital with general deterioration, on 28 November 2022. He died on 15 February 2023. 

Patricia Clee

In July 2021, Patricia had a serious fall that led to hospitalisation where she died three weeks later. 

Raymond Thomas

The family raised concerns between November 2022 and April 2023 about Raymond Thomas’ condition, noting he had had several falls, was not moving, losing weight, and sleeping excessively. Raymond was subsequently admitted to Whiston Hospital, where he was diagnosed with urosepsis and a water infection, which led to sepsis. He died on 5 January 2024.

Barbara Jeffers

Barbara Jeffers suffered a fall on 21 February 2023. She sustained injuries to the back of her head and nose. An ambulance was called, and she was sent to Warrington Hospital. She then contracted a chest infection, and on 13 March 2023, Barbara passed away.