New CQC Report Also Criticises Standards At Stamford Bridge Beaumont

The daughter of an elderly Alzheimer’s sufferer who developed pressure sores and other health issues during a week’s stay at a heavily-criticised York care home three years ago has instructed lawyers to help them gain justice regarding the problems.

Doreen Richardson, 83, from Linton-on-Ouse, suffered pressure sores to her heels and also developed a haematoma on her back which is thought to have been caused by a fall during her time at the Stamford Bridge Beaumont home in September 2014.

Following the problems, her family raised complaints which were investigated by the Local Government Ombudsman and the local safeguarding team, with both being critical of the home’s standard of care.

Now, after police confirmed they are investigating fresh allegations of abuse related to the site following a recent damning Care Quality Commission report, Doreen’s daughter Susan Maloney has called on specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her gain answers regarding the ordeal her mother faced.

Margaret Ryan, the lawyer and medical negligence expert in Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office who is representing the family, said: 

Expert Opinion

“We are hugely concerned by the first-hand account we have heard regarding the experiences that our client suffered at the Stamford Bridge Beaumont home, with recent reports raising even more concerns that standards are not improving at the site.

“Families place great faith and trust in such facilities that their loved ones will always receive an adequate standard of care and support, so the issues which have been raised in this case are simply unacceptable.

“We are determined to ensure that our client is able to gain justice regarding what Doreen faced, as well as that steps will be taken to address the very clear issues which have been raised. Lessons must be learned.” Margaret Ryan - Partner

The recent CQC report which led to the police investigation highlighted a range of concerns regarding Stamford Bridge Beaumont, including concerns that two residents may not have been washed for around a year, problems with staff training and some residents being at risk of dehydration and malnutrition.

Looking back on her mother’s experiences in 2014, Susan Maloney, 60, said: “Mum had been placed in the home for just one week for respite care, but when we returned to collect her we were completely stunned. The injuries and sores she had suffered were appalling and it felt like the home had simply neglected her.

“More than three years on, we remain incredibly angry by what my mother went through as we trusted she would get quality care. The new issues raised regarding the home are simply appalling and it is clear that action must be taken as soon as possible to improve standards.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in medical negligence claims.