Maggots crawling in wounds

Maggots were found crawling in an elderly man’s wound at a rest home, an investigation has confirmed.

The horror case has renewed calls for government action, with concerns current oversight is not picking up problems and leaving the vulnerable in appalling conditions.

Counties-Manukau District Health Board in March launched an investigation into Palms Lifecare in Pukekohe. A family had complained, saying their terminally ill relative was often left covered in flies and had maggots crawling in open wounds.

Results of the investigation released to the Herald on Sunday show five areas of concern about the now-deceased resident’s care were substantiated. This included shortcomings in pain relief, “presence of maggots in wound”, anecdotal evidence of faecal soiling in the man’s room and issues with managing falls.

“The incident involving a resident at Palms Lifecare in Pukekohe was serious and we extend our thoughts to the family,” a DHB spokeswoman said.

The health board was working with the rest home and was confident recommended changes were being made.

David Renwick, executive chairman of Heritage Lifecare, the owners of Palms Lifecare and 25 other rest homes, said they had met several times with the family whose complaint caused the investigation. A formal apology had been given.

Asked whether the wound care failing was because of staffing levels or lack of training, Renwick said it wasn’t, “however we acknowledge this particular problem should have been identified and remedied earlier”.

He said a corrective action plan developed by the company was being implemented with DHB oversight.