Care Home Vow After Resident Death

A care home has pledged to improve its procedures after a probe into the death of an elderly resident. David Yorke, who stayed at Chichester Court Care Home in South Shields, died a few hours after being admitted to South Tyneside District Hospital last July.

But an investigation was launched after concerns were raised by his sister Edith Mannion about the care the 75-year-old received in the home in the weeks leading up to his death. Following a joint inquiry between South Tyneside Council, South Tyneside PCT and Four Seasons Health Care, which owns the home, an action plan has been produced to improve on the home’s care procedures.

But a year on Mrs Mannion, 72, of Imeary Street, said: “I believe that the care my brother received was inadequate.” Mrs Mannion called for an investigation into his care after Mr Yorke’s death certificate stated he died primarily of a chest infection and asbestosis and secondary of renal failure and pressure sores.

She alleges that within the 24-hours before he was admitted to hospital, Mr Yorke, who had been at the home just over a year, was left lying in the same position all day, did not eat or drink, she also claims that he should have been treated as an emergency by care home staff.

Mrs Mannion also claimed that her brother was not given enough oxygen, tried to get himself to bed and injured himself on one occasion, and attended hospital appointments without an escort. But the investigation found no evidence that Mr Yorke was not receiving enough oxygen, and said he was well enough and content to attend hospital alone.

However, staff have been advised that all accidents must be recorded in the accident book and nursing care plans, and that the care retired shipwright Mr Yorke, who never married, received on the day before his death ‘could have been improved upon’.

Recommendations for the home include a need to improve on care plan documentation and record keeping and provide more detailed information in care notes after visits from healthcare professionals. Management are also urged to improve staff communication and ensure staff receive additional support and training across a range of procedures.

Mrs Mannion said: “In the first few weeks after David died, every time I thought about it I would just break down and cry. Now and then I still get very upset about it. It has been a very stressful year. I was stressed out for a long time and lost a lot of weight. I am disgusted with the whole affair. Why didn’t they know he had renal failure? I knew my brother was ill. I am not happy with the report.”

A joint statement by South Tyneside Council and South Tyneside Primary Care Trust said: “We have every sympathy with Mr Yorke’s family. “We recognise Mrs Mannion’s concerns and have met with her to discuss events in detail, listening carefully what she has had to say.

“A thorough investigation into these concerns was carried out under established procedures by South Tyneside Council, South Tyneside PCT and representatives of Four Seasons Health Care, which owns Chichester Court Care Home. As a result, an action plan was developed and the council and PCT have been working with the homeowners to ensure that action is implemented. The council and PCT will continue to monitor this implementation.”

A spokesperson for Four Seasons Health Care said: “The issues raised by Mrs Mannion have been thoroughly investigated by both the company and outside agencies. The findings of the report were discussed with Mrs Mannion by the care manager from South Tyneside social care and health department, however, we are happy to meet with her to address any concerns she may still have.”