Middlesbrough care home inquiry continues

A BEREAVED family’s complaints over their loved one’s care remain the subject of a council probe today, despite no evidence of neglect being found at a Teesside care home.

An adult protection investigation was launched after Winifred Howe, 88, a resident of Grove Lodge Care Home in Marton Road, Middlesbrough, died after being admitted to James Cook University Hospital in January.

Concerns were raised over the Pallister Park great-grandmother’s care at Grove Lodge, as she was dehydrated and had pressure sores on her feet.

However, Middlesbrough Council’s social care department concluded there was no evidence of neglect in the care provided to Mrs Howe.

No further action will be taken through the adult protection process, but the council will continue looking into complaints made against Grove Lodge by Mrs Howe’s family.

Councillor Julia Rostron, executive member for social care, said: “Middlesbrough Council is continuing its independent investigation into the family’s general complaints, which involve non-safeguarding issues.”

Today, a spokesperson for the Howe family said: “We are disappointed with the outcome of the adult protection inquiry but we have every faith in the integrity of those leading it.

“That inquiry concluded that mum was not a victim of neglect at Grove Lodge which leads us to believe the standards set for care homes across the country should be reviewed.

“We know the condition mum was in when she was admitted to hospital and had that been a child, rather than an old person, there would have been an outcry.”

A spokeswoman for Grove Lodge stressed Mrs Howe’s condition on admission to hospital had been subject to a “comprehensive” inquiry, which concluded there was no evidence of pressure damage to Mrs Howe’s heels prior to her hospital admission.

She added Mrs Howe’s level of dehydration was “affected by her clinical condition,” stating: “we would reinforce that no evidence of neglect was uncovered”.

However, the family say they still have questions which “remain unanswered”.

“We hope the independent inquiry being carried out by Middlesbrough Council is able to help provide more detailed information on some of those issues,” said the spokesperson.

The Grove Lodge spokeswoman said: “We are pleased but not surprised the independent review into Mrs Howe’s care has concluded there is no evidence any neglect occurred.

“Many families, relatives and residents have kindly taken the time to say how happy they are with the care at Grove Lodge.

“The home offers a safe environment with caring staff, who were praised by Mrs Howe’s family.

“We are disappointed their professionalism may have been questioned when confidential issues were aired publicly before the investigation was formally concluded.”

The findings of the investigation into Mrs Howe’s care come as the family of Grace Allenby, from Thornaby, prepare to hear a concluding report into her care at Grove Lodge on March 15.

Mrs Allenby, 88, died in March 2008, two days after being moved to another home.

An inquest concluded she died from natural causes and there was no evidence the care she received at Grove Lodge contributed to her death.

However, Teesside Coroner’s Court also heard the Grove Lodge resident was sent to her new home half-dressed in a taxi, denied the nursing care she needed for six months, suffered weeping wounds, bed sores, matted hair and was reduced to only six stone.