Bishop Auckland care home 'ignored fall prevention advice'
Ms Heaviside died on 26 December 2024 at the age of 85 after breaking her hip.Her death was the consequence of a fall she suffered in her room at Howlish Hall Care Home on 4 October, an inquest found. She had surgery and was moved to a different care home on 3 December, due to "ongoing family concerns".
'Wouldn't want to pay'
A document published by the coroner on Thursday, known as a prevention of future deaths report, said Ms Heaviside had suffered a number of falls while she lived at Howlish Hall. In August 2023, the Community Falls Service advised the home manager to place a sensor box in her room and said she should use hip protectors, which could be purchased by the family. "The home did not follow these recommendations and did not inform the family of the option to purchase hip protectors," the coroner said. A social worker attended the home on 27 September 2024 after the family reported concerns. According to the report, the deputy manager had told the family the month before that the owner of Howlish Hall "probably wouldn't want to pay for a sensor mat"."The home staff assured the social worker that they had a sensor mat that they would place next to [Ms Heaviside]'s bed, but this was not done," assistant coroner Sutton said.
She added she had received evidence there had been a "reluctance" from the care home owner to "provide adequate resources for falls prevention equipment".
A response outlining action to be taken has to be submitted to the coroner by 5 September.
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