Aged care resident dies after allegedly catching alight in wheelchair while smoking ‘unattended’

An aged care resident has allegedly died from the burns he suffered after his clothes caught alight while smoking a cigarette. Michael Nagle, 72, was allegedly alone at RSL LifeCare’s facility in Condobolin, NSW, 463km west of Sydney, when he suffered the burns, and was allegedly not wearing a smoking apron, 7News has reported. He died six days later.

No charges have been laid, and the incident is being investigated by the Coroner. The incident has also been referred to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC).

The SOURCE: Aged care residents who wish to continue smoking should have the risks appropriately managed. Tragically, a similar incident occurred in 2018.