Poor standards of care in North West care homes

Poor standards of care in UK residential and care homes, have often hit media headlines. The increase in population life expectancy combined with the ever rising cost of care poses challenges for the families and the wider society.

However, the number of complaints reported to The Care Quality Commission (CQC), continues to rise.

The recently reported case of Robert Breen, a 78 year old, highlights the significant impact of poor care and negligent treatment, arising in care homes around the North West.

Recently, Mr Breen had to spend four months in hospital, after the extent of his negligent care was exposed.

It was reported that, Mr Breen, a resident at Tudor Bank Nursing Home in Southport, Merseyside, was admitted to hospital with a grade 4 pressure sore to his hip and sepsis from a chest condition. A grade 4 pressure sore is the worst kind or sore and should be acted upon, at a much earlier stage of development. Mr Breen, who was admitted to hospital, sweating, drowsy and with a high temperature, had also lost a stone in just 30 days.

The family of Mr Breen were reported saying “It was only after a few days we were told how bad the pressure sore was……it was appalling.”

Carlos Lopez, Director of Clinical Negligence and serious injury stated “This is a very tragic case but sadly, not unique. I often hear terrible stories of poor care, which, with the right level of staffing and attention, simply should not happen.”

The CQC sets out the fundamental standards of care which every resident has the right to expect. These include:

• Person centred care – care and treatment tailored to the persons needs
• Dignity and Respect – being treated with dignity and care which also includes, the right to privacy, and being treated as an equal
• Consent – if you have capacity, you must be consented before any treatment is given
• Safety  – you must be kept safe. This also includes safeguarding from abuse.
• Food and Drink – you must have access to both
• Premises and Equipment  – The place where you are cared for and the equipment used must be clean, suitable and safe.
• Complaints – you must be able to complain and have those complaints addressed.
• Good Governance – The provider of care must have plans to meet the standards required
• Staffing – There must be sufficient staff to meet the standards expected of them.
• Duty of Candour – The provider must be honest and open, should something go wrong.
• Display ratings  – The provider must display their ratings.

Contact Hampson Hughes

Hampson Hughes represent, and have acted for many people who have been affected by poor standards of care in care homes, sustaining personal injury. If you want to talk to someone in complete confidence, who is prepared to listen with empathy and support you and your family, call one of our team on .