Mrs Townsend was moved against the advice of her doctor

Violet Townsend, 88, died five days after being transferred from her care home against the wishes of her doctor and family.

She had been a resident at Magdalene House care home in Gloucester for eight years, and was one of nine residents with a social services-funded place.

But when the home, run by Gloucester Charity Trust, stopped subsidising social services patients, the council refused to pay the difference and moved them to cheaper accommodation.

She did appear upset - it was apparent to us that Violet Townsend did not appear to want a change in her life. Chris Terry, manager of Woolstrop House care home

Mrs Townsend moved to Woolstrop House in Quedgeley, near Gloucester, on 6 February and died on 11 February, prompting an investigation by Gloucestershire County Council.

Chris Terry, manager of Woolstrop House, told the inquiry at Gloucester's Shire Hall on Tuesday that Mrs Townsend was "unhappy with the prospect of change in her life".

He said: "She did appear upset in very general terms.

"I do not think she appeared distressed but it was apparent to us that Violet Townsend did not appear to want a change in her life."

He said that during a visit to Woolstrop House by Mrs Townsend she was not "very accepting of the whole idea of moving".

Every individual had their own needs and Mrs Townsend did not appear any more frail than the others. Kim Carey, head of adult care, Gloucestershire County Council

He added: "It did not matter how much we put ourselves out I think she would have been still unhappy, not with the home but with the idea of change."

The inquiry also heard that Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) had "given credence" to letters from Mrs Townsend's GP, Dr Ian Jarvis, that warned against a move.

Kim Carey, head of adult care at GCC said once the council had received his letters action had been taken to find out more.

"There was nothing in the GP's report that made Mrs Townsend stand out from the other residents.

"There was nothing there to suggest the move should be cancelled.

"Every individual had their own needs and Mrs Townsend did not appear any more frail than the others."