Southend hospital cancer patient 'fell from window'
A cancer patient fell to his death from a hospital window just days after major surgery, an inquest has heard.
Robin Blowes, 69, of Blackmore, near Chelmsford, fell from a second floor window at Southend University Hospital on 4 July 2010.
The inquest in Southend heard he had undergone a seven-hour operation to remove his bladder at the end of June.
Coroner Peter Dean heard Mr Blowes was lucid for two days but became confused and developed "paranoid delusions".
He then fell from a window on his ward, suffering multiple injuries.
The inquest was told a post-operative delusional state was common after prolonged surgery.
Dr Dean was told it was "possible but not likely" that Mr Blowes' confusion was caused by post-operative drugs.
The inquest, being heard by a jury, is expected to continue for several days.