A WELL respected doctor was undiscovered for as long as four days after suffering a 'catastrophic' fall down the stairs, an inquest heard. 

Dr Julian Goldstone of Makepiece Road, Bracknell was found dead by his 'good friend' Margaret Ferguson and police with blood on his head on September 15.

Concern continued to grow for the Wexham Park Hospital doctor after he did not turn up for work several times in the week leading up to his death.

Mr Goldstone had been recovering from a yoga accident which ruptured a tendon in his leg and he relied on a crutch when moving about. 

Senior Coroner for Berkshire, Peter Bedford said it would be hard to pinpoint the date of his tragic fall after he was found in a heap at the bottom of the stairs with his crutch by his side.

He added: "Dr Goldstone lost his balance on the stairs as a result of restricted mobility and suffered a catastrophic fall and it is clear to me that this is an accidental event."

Ms Ferguson, a sister at Royal Berkshire Hospital received a call from Dr Goldstone's colleagues, asking of his whereabouts and when he was not answering her calls, she went to his home.

She said: "I went to his home and noticed his car was parked in the driveway and that his curtains were drawn.

"I knocked on the door and when there was no reply I tried to open it but it was locked.

"I saw my good friend lying at the foot of the stairs on his back and immediately telephoned 999."

Police and paramedics arrived at the scene but when they found him lying on the stairs it became clear that he had already passed away. 

Mr Bedford added: I will record that Dr Goldstone died on September 15 at his home address and I will conclude that it was the result of an accident. 

"I would like to offer my condolences to his friends and family."