A care home resident died from severe burns after accidentally dropping a cigarette on himself while wearing a cardigan smeared with a flammable ointment, a court heard. 

Stephen Dennis died in hospital on Valentine's Day, the day after being admitted, following a fire at Goodwins Hall care home in King's Lynn.

The 69-year-old had accidentally set himself on fire as he smoked a cigarette while wearing a cardigan which contained a build-up of a "highly flammable" emollient cream he used as a medical treatment.

Mr Dennis was admitted to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, where he died at around 7am on Tuesday, February 14. 

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk Coroner's CourtNorfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)

An inquest into his death took place in Norwich at Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall this week. 

It heard that Mr Dennis, who was born in Outwell near Wisbech, died of multiple organ failure related to flame burns with inhalation injury. 

Led by area coroner, Yvonne Blake, the court heard how Mr Dennis had been a resident at the home since December 2021. 

He would be taken outside to smoke for around 30 minutes up to four times a day and would always wear the same cardigan.

Despite smoking approximately 4,000 cigarettes during his time at the care home, this was the only time an episode such as this had happened. 

Ms Blake recorded a conclusion of an accidental death. 

At the time of his death, a spokesman for Athena Care Homes, which runs the Lynn facility, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the death of one of our residents following an incident at Goodwins Hall care home. 

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the resident’s family and friends. The whole Athena family has been deeply affected by this incident." 

Ms Blake added that she was satisfied that the care home had taken sufficient action to make sure such an incident did not happen again.