Failings found at council-arranged care facility

Mr F was told by staff at Charlton Court Care Home he would not be cared for if he did not stop shouting

Medical advice for a man in council-funded care was not sought soon enough in the days leading up to his death, a report has said.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found a patient, known as Mr F, was treated unjustly at a care home arranged by North Tyneside Council.

The ombudsman found a number of failings with Mr F's care while he was living at Charlton Court Care Home, in Wallsend, including the patient being told he would not be looked after if he shouted.

The council said cases such as this were "absolutely heartbreaking" and it would be reviewing procedures at Charlton Court.

Mr F had a chest infection in December 2022 but his conditioned worsened in January 2023.

He began coughing and vomiting on the night of 19 January but the care home waited until 22 January to call an ambulance.

He was found to be "gravely ill with pneumonia" and died in hospital a few days later.

Delays caused distress

Mr F's family had visited him on 20 January and heard staff say they would not help the patient if he shouted.

The care home later apologised to Mr F's widow, but the ombudsman found that "medical advice should have been sought sooner".

"This may not have changed the outcome for Mr F but the delay in seeking advice causes distress and uncertainty," the report said.

The care home acknowledged there were times when Mr F had to wait for care, which the ombudsman said "adversely affected his dignity".

Following a stroke, Mr F was required to be fed via a tube by a nurse. However, on one occasion he was fed by a care assistant, which put him at risk of harm.

There were also delays in the care home getting advice on whether a chair used by Mr F was suitable or could be adjusted for his needs.

Council 'takes action'

Charlton Court Care Home is a private facility operated by Akari Care. However, Mr F's care was arranged and funded by the council.

North Tyneside Council has apologised to Mrs F and agreed to pay her £500 to acknowledge the distress caused.

Director of adult’s services at North Tyneside Council, Eleanor Binks, said the council had "taken action" and processes would be put in place to prevent similar situations occurring again.

"The health and wellbeing of our residents will always come first, and we will do everything within our gift to support them in whatever way we can," she said.

"We will continue to work alongside the care provider and the team at Charlton Court to support them in providing high-quality care for our residents, and ensuring that the high standards we set for ourselves are being met across all providers."

Charlton Court Care Home has been contacted for comment.