THE brother of an epileptic woman who drowned in the bath has criticised the support home in Evesham where she lived.

Carol Hughes died after having a fit at the supported-living accommodation in School Road. At Monday's inquest, care workers said that Miss Hughes informed them that she wanted to have a bath later that day, promising to let them know when.

The 54-year-old always had to inform them first so that they could listen in on an intercom system and react quickly if she suffered a fit.

But when care worker Alice Saville could not find a reception on the system she went downstairs to tell Miss Hughes.

She called out and after receiving no reply she looked for Miss Hughes and discovered her submerged in the bath.

The intercom was later tested by a police officer after the death, on Thursday May 27 and found to be working.

Assistant deputy coroner Dr Nigel Garbutt said that the device would have reduced the risk, but not eliminated it.

"I believe patients can have a fit without making a great deal of noise and commotion," he said.

"The intercom wasn't working for some reason.

"The staff were using the systems that they had been taught to use and at their level they couldn't really have done any more," he said.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded.

Brother Kevin Hughes , 50, of Greenhill in Evesham, said: "Carol's bath time was a rather a large occasion which she loved, so it wouldn't have not been noticed.

"I feel terribly let down.

"In my view there were no other safeguards in place."

Steve Scown of New Era Housing Association that run the accommodation said: "The staff and management were very saddened by the death of Carol Hughes, who had lived at the address for nine years, and enjoyed a good quality of life during her time there.

"We accept the verdict of the coroner and once again offer our deepest sympathies to the family."