01.08.18
Liverpool care provider fined by CQC following resident stair fall
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has fined a Merseyside care provider after a resident at a care home fell down a flight of stairs.
Dorothy Carney sustained serious injuries at the Bentley Care Home in Liverpool in October 2015 when she gained access to an unsecured flight of stairs and fell down 13 steps.
Carney suffered an injury to the left leg, laceration to her right calf, a bite to her tongue, and a head injury. She was able to access the unsecured area through an unlocked door at the top of the stairs opposite her bedroom.
Argyle Care Group, who operate the service, pleaded guilty to on 23 April this year to one offence of failing to provide safe care and treatment resulting in avoidable harm to Carney.
Jessica Franklin, prosecuting on behalf of the CQC, told the court that the Argyle Care Group had failed to take action to secure the doors and ensure the residents were safe; Carney was known to be at risk of falls, although her care plans and risk assessments did not identify the risks arising from a recent deterioration in her eyesight.
District Judge Shaw fined the Argyle Care Group £16,000 for failing in its duty to provide safe care and treatment. They were ordered to pay £9,500 towards the cost of the prosecution and £120 victim surcharge.
Debbie Westhead, deputy chief inspector of adult social care, north, said: “This accident was entirely avoidable. Bentley Care Home was inspected by the Care Quality Commission a week before this accident when we pointed out the insecure door and advised them to rectify the problem.
“Argyle Care Group failed in their legal duty and as a consequence one of the people in their care was seriously injured. It was an accident which need not and should not have happened.”
NHE has reached out to the Argyle Care Group for comment.
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