Family settle with nursing home over OAP pressure sore
APENSIONER spent four months in hospital after developing sepsis and a severe pressure sore while living at a Southport care home.
Robert David Breen, now 78, was diagnosed with a grade four pressure sore – the worst classification – on his left hip, as well as sepsis due to a chest infection.
Mr Breen, who has dementia, was admitted to Southport Hospital from Tudor Bank Nursing Home in June, 2015, just days after he was assessed by a dietitian after losing about a stone in weight in the space of a month.
He was taken by ambulance when he was drowsy, sweating, breathing rapidly and struggling with a high temperature.
The severity of his condition meant he spent months in hospital and his family arranged for him to be moved to a new home upon his release.
Following the problems, David’s family instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to instigate a claim on his behalf and the home’s operator, Tudor Bank Ltd, admitted it breached its duty and agreed an undisclosed settlement.
David suffered a brain injury which left him with epilepsy in a motorbike crash when he was 21 and was admitted to Tudor Bank, in April, 2014, after he was diagnosed with dementia.
His family has joined its legal team at Irwin Mitchell in calling for lessons to be learned.
David’s niece, Julie Rumsey, said: “I had visited my uncle towards the end of May and was really shocked by his condition. He seemed to be in a very vague state and his weight loss was obvious – his notes said he had actually lost around 6kgs in just 30 days.
“There was no obvious improvement across the next few weeks, but Uncle David’s condition means he struggles to speak, so we could not get a clear picture of how he personally felt.
“It was
devastating when I got a call to say he had been taken to hospital.
“It was only after a few days of treatment that we were actually told how bad the pressure sore was. It was just appalling and the entire family was stunned.
“The whole ordeal was an absolute nightmare and, even three years on, it is hard to talk about it. Care homes have such an important duty to carry out, but we are still angry by everything that has happened.
“While we are delighted that he is healthier and happier in his new home, we would not want others to face the issues my uncle has.
“By speaking out, we hope that lessons are learned to improve patient care.”
Michelle Thomson, the expert lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represents the family, said: “David’s brain injury and dementia means he requires specialist support.
“His loved ones placed great faith and trust in the nursing home to provide David with the best possible care.
“Sadly, this did not happen and David’s family still feel let down and extremely upset by everything that David has faced.
“Loved ones who are placed in care homes are often among the most vulnerable members of society, and we would urge all nursing home providers to ensure the highest standards of care are provided to residents at all times.”
Tudor Bank was approached for comment but declined.