Select Page

A residential care company based in Middlesex has been fined £100,000 and ordered to pay costs of £50,000 after an elderly resident of one of their Surrey homes died from scalding injuries.

Guildford Crown Court heard how the 89-year-old was receiving personal care and assistance in showering from two employees of European Healthcare Group Plc at Old Wall Cottage Nursing Home. She received significant scalding injuries, and subsequently died of her injuries in hospital.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive into the incident found that the bathroom taps in were not adjusted to limit the temperature of the water to a safe level for bathing and showering. The investigation also found that while the company had policies and procedures in place, they were deficient and the company failed to effectively communicate information and instruction to its staff so that the control measures could be implemented effectively.

HSE inspector Michelle Canning said after the hearing: “This tragic and preventable incident highlights the responsibility that all care providers have to protect the safety of people in their care. People who live in residential care and nursing homes are amongst some of the most vulnerable in our society and rely on others to provide a safe environment for them to live in. All healthcare premises have a legal duty to control the risks of scalding injuries from bathing or showering and there is guidance that is well established and simple to implement.”

It is a sad fact that some of the most vulnerable people in our communities can be injured or even killed as a result of issues, oversights and mistakes during their care. While it is very rare that these incidents happen on purpose, those in positions of responsibility have a duty to ensure these events do not occur at all. If you or someone you love has been affected, injured or even killed as a result of negligence on the part of a care provider, you could well be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Our solicitors are on hand to right now to listen to your story and advise the best course of action. It won’t cost you anything to discuss your case and see how we can help you, so why not contact us today and see how much you are entitled to claim.