New Statistics On Inspections Raise Worrying Concerns

An expert at Irwin Mitchell has called for a greater effort to be made to identify and address problems in care homes, after research revealed that one in seven sites is not meeting legal requirements in relation to nutrition.

According to the figures released by the Care Quality Commission, 84 out of 599 nursing homes visited by its inspectors between October 2010 and July 2011 were failing to meet the necessary levels in terms of the provision of food and attention at mealtimes.

It also highlighted examples including that of an underweight patient in need of a high-calorie diet being given just two pieces of toast a day.

Medical law and patients’ rights specialists at Irwin Mitchell represent the families of vulnerable adults who have suffered as a result of substandard treatment or care in homes across England and Wales. They notably acted for the loved ones of residents who died at the Maypole Nursing Home in Birmingham, where 27 residents died in just one year.

Jonathan Peacock, a Partner at the firm’s Bristol office who worked on that case, said the new figures demonstrate the clear need for improvement.

He said: “Care home operators and their staff have a responsibility to the families of residents to ensure that everyone placed under their supervision is looked after with the best possible support and the utmost respect. Sadly, we continue to see reports on how in some cases this is simply not the case.

“The CQC’s report is wake-up call on the issue that operators cannot afford to ignore. We hope that lessons can be learnt from this data which will ensure that any sites found to be lacking in this area can work quickly and thoroughly to rectify problems and prevent them from happening ever again.

“Ultimately, every effort needs to be made to ensure all care home residents are getting the vital support they need.”

Contact our care & nursing home claims team for a free no obligation confidential chat about making a claim if you or a loved has suffered abuse or neglect whilst in a care. Alternatively visit our Elder Abuse Claims page for more information.