Expert Lawyers Welcome Former Nurse’s Public Inquiry Appeal

By Suzanne Rutter

A medical negligence lawyer has backed a former nurse’s calls for a public inquiry to find those responsible for ‘systematic failings’ at a scandal-hit care home, to ensure lessons can be learned from the problems.

The Evening Chronicle reports that recent court cases and disciplinary hearings relating to St Michael’s View care home in South Shields have revealed various incidents of abuse and neglect, including nurses failing to seek prompt medical attention for vulnerable patients.

South Tyneside Council ordered a 'Serious Case Review' into events at the home more than three years after the death of an 81-year-old woman in February 2010, but the results have not yet been published.

Former nurse, Phil Brown, has been demanding an inquiry into standards at the care home since 2008 and claims patients will continue to be put at risk if a thorough investigation is not carried out into the home, formerly known as Bamburgh Court.

Luke Daniels, a partner at Irwin Mitchell who specialises in helping those neglected by health professionals, said: “We see time and time again how devastating any kind of care home abuse and neglect is for victims as well as their families who trust care home staff to look after their loved ones professionally and compassionately.

“We would welcome a public inquiry into this care home and support Phil’s appeal for a more thorough investigation into standards at St Michael’s View.

“The authorities must show lessons have been learnt - not only to prevent further instances of abuse at this care home, but to reassure those currently in care and to act as an example to other care homes across the country that the institutional abuse of patients can never happen again.

“We continue to be contacted by the families of vulnerable patients who have been let down by medical professionals. It is simply not acceptable and authorities across the board must do their utmost to protect patients and put preventative measures in place through better training and supervision so vulnerable people are not put at risk in care homes.”