A former resident of Ivy Court Care Home of Balby, Doncaster suffered serious burns as a result of neglect by Ivy Court carers on the day of the incident in April earlier this year.

Following the incident the Care Quality Commission (CQC) undertook an inspection of the home and deemed Ivy Court as requiring improvement. They found evidence that the provider needed to make improvements. They identified breaches of regulation in relation to the safety and management of the service. The home is run by Runwood Homes and specialise in providing care for older people. 

Our client who was a resident at the time was suffering from dementia and was given a hot drink in a tippy cup with a lid which was placed on a table in front of her. Our client made a noise that is usual for her when she requires assistance and when the staff member approached the cup was found to be in her lap. Our client was left severely burned.

In further exploring the issue of negligent care in the residential home, it was found that the recording about the incident was not accurate and there was an indication that our client had been left with a hot drink in her lap burning through her clothes and onto her skin. First aid given was also not followed up and there was a delay in seeking medical support and our clients wounds were not monitored.

Linda Godden, daughter of our client says “I rang the care home on the day of the incident and was told that my mother was not burned. When I saw the extent of my mother’s burns I saw she had been scalded and was horrified. The home was there to look after her and keep her safe and I feel severely let down that she has suffered such injuries whilst in their care. My trust in the care home is shattered and I don’t want this to happen to other residents”.

Katrina Elsey acting for the family says “This incident was entirely avoidable as there was no need for the resident to be given such a hot drink when it was known she was a vulnerable adult. The risk of people sustaining serious burns from drinks made far too hot is something all care homes should consider. As a result of the lack of first aid treatment and care by staff, my client was seriously burned. There was a delay of around 10 hours before getting my client to a Hospital. Sadly, I see a lot of claims in similar circumstances and the pain experienced by my client is quite unthinkable. Care homes are supposed to be a safe place for vulnerable elderly people  and it is essential they are being treated with the dignity, care and compassion they deserve.”

A Section 42 enquiry was recently carried out by the Doncaster Local Authority. The investigation into the incident substantiated the abuse and neglect by Ivy Court Care Home.  Earlier on in the year Linda’s mum had also been given an overdose of someone’s else’s medication and had suffered multiple falls whilst under the care at Ivy Court Care Home.

Switalskis specialist lawyers, who act for victims left seriously injured in accidents in care homes, said it was vital that lessons are learned from the incidents at Ivy Court Care Home- not only to prevent further instances of neglect at this care home, but to reassure those currently in care and to put preventative measures in place through better training and supervision so vulnerable people are not put at risk in care homes.

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