Resident dies after NHS snub
A care home resident with suspected coronavirus died after allegedly being refused admission to hospital.
Natalie Wolfson, 85, who lived at Westacres in Newton Mearns, died the day after her GP tried to get her admitted after she fell and broke her arm.
Care home staff believe Natalie, who had suspected Covid-19 symptoms, died as a result of the decision.
Westacres care manager Linda Carruthers said: “If we learn anything from Natalie’s death it’s that we don’t ever let it happen again.”
Mrs Wolfson was admitted to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow after a fall. She was discharged hours later with a collar and painkillers.
Westacres said Natalie’s GP wanted her admitted but got a call saying she’d been refused.
Ms Carruthers said Natalie deteriorated quickly, adding: “Her pain levels were such that she wasn’t eating or drinking.”
At First Minister’s Questions on April 21, Nicola Sturgeon said it was “vital” to send the message that “the NHS is open”.
Jack Ryan, chief executive of charity Newark Care, which runs Westacres, called for an investigation.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “We are investigating. However, we refute the suggestion this patient was not admitted to hospital due to Covid-19. Any patient who requires to be hospitalised will be admitted to hospital.”
Last week we revealed how a Glasgow GP practice had written to a care home to say residents with Covid-19 would not be sent to hospital .
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