A CORONER has recorded an open verdict after a retired doctor was found drowned in a hospital bath.Borge Mair, 89, of The Street, Darsham, died in Ipswich Hospital on January 7.

By Tracey Sparling

A CORONER has recorded an open verdict after a retired doctor was found drowned in a hospital bath.

Borge Mair, 89, of The Street, Darsham, died in Ipswich Hospital on January 7.

The inquest at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday heard staff had noticed independent Dr Mair was missing, but assumed he was washing or going to the toilet.

Nurse Desree Alionsob noticed a bathroom light off, with the door unlocked, and saw his slippers on the floor.

Coroner Peter Dean said she hurried inside to find Dr Mair submerged under the water.

Senior staff and the resuscitation team were called, but resuscitation failed and he passed away.

Pathologist Dr Julian Orrell said the cause of death had been drowning.

An investigation was held and a report compiled by Pc Simon Hughes.

Mr Dean said: "There are some unanswered questions about how death occurred. The only appropriate conclusion is to record an open verdict."