A widow whose husband died after his oxygen supply was mistakenly cut off in hospital today said: “He had the right to expect to be safe”.

Brenda Bailey said her husband Ronald was a “gentleman” and pillar of the community.

She said she hoped for answers about the death of her husband of 47 years at his inquest yesterday.

However, Black Country coroner Robin Balmain said it was unlikely the person responsible for switching off his breathing machine at Walsall Manor Hospital would ever be identified.

Mrs Bailey told the hearing: “I firmly believe that Ron had the right to expect to be safe, as an inpatient, in the hospital.

“The hospital had a duty to ensure that right.

“It just broke down.”

During the inquest, Mrs Bailey also said that she felt staff at the hospital were “cold” towards her as she learned of her husband’s death.

She had gone to the hospital at 10.30pm with a friend on October 28, 2008.

Mrs Bailey, of Fallowfield Road, Walsall, paid tribute to the 71-year-old, who set up an over 55s club at St Martin’s Church near their home.

“He was popular, he was quite a character,” she said.

“He was never depressed throughout his illness, he was always cheerful and always looked forward to tomorrow.

“I received numerous messages of sympathy from all the members of the club.

“They praised Ron very much, he left a wonderful legacy.

“I just wanted to get justice for him.”

Mike Browne, medical director at Walsall Manor Hospital responded to the inquest conclusions today saying: “Following an extensive police investigation, the coroner explained that it was not possible to identify the person responsible for turning off the oxygen.

“In addition, the coroner’s verdict stated that there should be no cloud of suspicion over any of the members of staff who gave evidence and regarded them as being committed to the care of their patients.

“On behalf of Walsall Manor Hospital, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to the patients family for their loss at this difficult time.”