A HAMPSHIRE man died after self-neglect following the death of his wife, an inquest heard.

Retired bar manager Michael Palmer died at Lymington New Forest Hospital on October 4 last year after being admitted with infected leg ulcers.

The 73-year-old, who lived alone at 10 Oak Court, South Street, was a widower after the death of his wife of 40 years Patricia Anne Palmer in 2011, Winchester Coroner’s Court heard. 

He had been visited by district nurses at his home but had refused help from carers other than a neighbour.

The court also heard how Mr Palmer was suffering from low moods.

Dr Jeffrey Theaker reported that Mr Palmer had an enlarged heart and pulmonary edema, which are consistent with cardiac failure, as well as sepsis caused by his ulcers. 

When asked by Central Hampshire coroner Grahame Short whether being overweight had exacerbated Mr Palmer’s sores, Dr Theaker replied that immobility was a factor in this.

Mr Palmer had also previously had a heart attack and was a life-long smoker.

In a statement read in court written prior to his death, Mr Palmer described his wife, known as Annie, as his, “true soulmate".

He added that his death meant he could be with his wife once more.

Mr Short said he was satisfied that the care Mr Palmer received was appropriate and that Mr Palmer’s infection was too severe to treat by the time he was in hospital.

“He did not want to live and he wanted to be with his wife,” he said.

He recorded a death by natural causes though self-neglect.