Death in care home.

Care provider Independent Advocacy Services Ltd (IAS) were fined £50,000 when a severely disabled man died after being scalded in a shower. John Dillon, aged 43, suffered burns to his head neck and chest when care worker, Aaron Davidson, left him unattended sitting under a hot shower. John could not walk or talk and could not call for help. He was taken to hospital and treated for burns but he became frightened and wouldn’t take his medication. He suffered an epileptic fit and was placed on a ventilator but died four days later.

An investigation revealed a simple valve would have made the water temperature safe, but this had not been fitted at the care home on Cornhill Road, Davyhulme, Manchester. There had been no Risk Assessment carried out, placing vulnerable people at risk of serious injury or death. IAS Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Health and Safety regulations in failing to ensure that residents were not exposed to risk. They were fined £50,000 and ordered to pay £11,050 costs.

John’s relatives said: “We are pleased that the company have finally accepted their responsibility and that the correct procedures have been put in place so that this will not happen to another vulnerable person”.

NB. We have recorded 12 deaths from scalding whilst in care. Four of these deaths occurred in care homes in Greater Manchester .