Panel Reveals Concerns Over Case

A negligence expert at Irwin Mitchell has revealed his hopes that lessons will be learnt after a care home in Eastbourne was criticised for the neglect of a 91-year-old woman.

Reports in the Argus have revealed that an independent panel, including representatives from East Sussex County Council, described the treatment received by the resident at Manor Hall Care Home as “passive and delayed”.

It was revealed that the woman was admitted to hospital with hypothermia and dehydration in 2008. The panel suggested that earlier medical attention at Manor Hall Care Home may have prevented her admission to hospital.

Ian Christian, from Irwin Mitchell’s London office, who specialises in providing advice on cases of elderly neglect, said: “It is deeply disappointing to read about the unacceptable treatment provided to this woman and the failures flagged by the investigation.

“All people deserve to be treated with both dignity and respect; particularly the elderly. This sad case highlights the terrible consequences of substandard treatment in care homes.

“I hope that lessons can be learned from this incident to ensure that issues like this will not be repeated at any point in the future.”