Family sue home after death of mum
A FAMILY are suing a care home where their mother died of Covid after she was sent there against their wishes.
Retired hairdresser and grandmother-of-six Margaret Laidlaw, 65, passed away at Drummond Grange in Lasswade, Midlothian, last May.
Mrs Laidlaw, who had dementia, was moved to the privately-run home from a local authority short-term facility at the height of the pandemic, despite her family’s concerns about the risk.
The grieving family were sent a bill for £800 after her death, to cover the costs of her three-week stay.
A report on Mrs Laidlaw’s death has been sent to the Crown Office and her daughter is suing Drummond Grange owner Barchester Care.
Charlene Roy, 41, said of her mother: ‘I just feel like she never had a chance. At the beginning of April last year we were told by the council they wanted mum out of temporary accommodation. We were told a place at Drummond Grange had come up.
‘We raised concerns, but mum agreed to go – I don’t think she fully understood the severity of the pandemic.
‘She was moved on April 29. I got a call on the Monday before saying there was Covid in the care home, but it was contained and not in the unit mum was going to. It was obvious to me all the proper infection control measures were not being taken at the home.’
The Care Inspectorate found ‘significant concerns’ relating to supply and
use of PPE, infection prevention and control practices, and staff knowledge. But a follow-up inspection found requirements made were met.
Solicitor Bruce Shields, who is representing families of Covid victims, said: ‘We have evidence to support our case that the negligence of care home operators has led to unnecessary suffering and premature death.’
A spokesman for Barchester said: ‘The team at the home have always followed the ever-changing Government and public health guidance.’