Concerns that East Surrey Hospital is putting “patients at risk of early death” have been raised by a coroner after the death of a 92-year-old man.

Douglas Nickols was admitted with a fractured hip on 28 February but waited until 5 March for surgery. He later caught pneumonia and died.

The coroner said Mr Nickols was immobile for a number of days before his surgery, contributing to his death.

The hospital’s chief medical officer said improvements were being made.