A coroner has launched a probe into how a man died after he developed a “horrendous” pressure sore at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Alan Wood, 55, a former warehouseman from Marsh Rise, Kemsley, died on April 20 from multiple organ failure and a grade-four ulcer on his back.

Assistant mid-Kent coroner Ian Wade opened the inquest yesterday in Maidstone but adjourned it for further reports.

He told Mr Wood’s sisters Barbara and Janet Wood: “I have seen photographs of the ulcer, which are horrendous.

“I am very concerned about the history of this pressure sore.

“I will need an expert witness, probably a dermatologist who has experience of working with skin, to explain how this should have been dealt with and if it was appropriate for Mr Wood to have been discharged in this condition.”

Mr Wood, who was unmarried and suffered from diabetes, was first admitted to the hospital last year with a septic toe.

“I have seen photographs of the ulcer, which are horrendous!" - Ian Wade

He later had to have his leg amputated at the knee.

The inquest heard that Mr Wood was admitted to hospital in November and discharged to a care home in January with the bed sore.

But within days he was readmitted to hospital.

Mr Wade said: “It seems to me that to release a patient with a pressure sore which becomes worse and leads to death is an unnatural cause of death which requires further investigation.”

He added that the Care Quality Commission had investigated and was “plainly concerned”.

It is anticipated it will take six months before the inquest can be reopened.