FAILURE IN CARE LED TO TRAGIC CHOKING / CORNWALL REPORT

This is what can happen when care is handed over to the Private Sector... It takes a death in order for them to "learn something"!

March 2007, I was invited to Birmingham to take part in the Healthcare Commission National audit of learning disabilities. What they are about is looking at care in all sorts of establishments in England, after concerns were raised by "Mencap" in 2004 about abuse of people in a care home in Cornwall.

This is a new Government initiative with new money. What I noticed was that although it was aimed at stopping abuse in establishments in England. The English did not get a mention. I brought this to the attention of the representative at the training session.

Although I desperately wanted to play a part in this worth while venture. I had to leave to make my point as I was being ignored. Sadly the death of 27 year old Martin Hardy who choked to death, in a "Leonard Cheshire" home, has prompted me to write this letter in the hope that notice this time will be taken of my concerns by the Healthcare National Audit Office and acted upon.

Some staff were unable to do first aid in this case Helmlich manoeuvre. Staff could not use the emergency alarm. There was a failure to ensure staff had understood individual care plans, with details of nutritional needs. Especially when English was not their first language.

Dr Chapman recorded a verdict of accidental death and Colin Young director of UK operations at Leonard Cheshire said "We have learnt from Martin's tragic death"

In my opinion it is not only a breach of health and safety but criminal neglect that caused this young mans death at the "Dukeries Care Home" I say this for the following reasons-Martin suffered from cerebral palsy, was unable to feed himself and he could not speak. How much more vulnerable could he have been?

Grenville Green
Justice for Carers
Member of the Red Cross Carers Forum. Phoenix Park, Nottingham