The sudden death of a senior at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital has sparked an investigation by staff, The Royal Gazette learned last night.

The hospital's Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Reid ordered a detailed report be carried out on the death of 81-year-old Gladys Ann Elizabeth Smith, who died in the middle of last week.

The Royal Gazette understands Mrs. Smith, from Sandys, was staying in the hospital during the time leading up to her death. It is believed the senior received serious burns to her feet while in hospital and died two hours later.

Mrs. Reid said last night that she was waiting for more information on the death of Mrs. Smith and did not want to comment until she knew the full facts.

She said: "What is taking place right now is a detailed look at the matter. I will not be able to receive my report until tomorrow morning.

"I will be better able to speak to it then. The report will tell me exactly what happened and the affect of what happened on Mrs. Smith."

She said the detailed reports on individual deaths was not uncommon.

She added: "There are different reasons why we may need reports on certain deaths. It's not unusual."