Care of the elderly

• Bedsores caused by negligence result in MRSA infection

  Bertha lived in a nursing home and was admitted to hospital following a chest infection. Whilst there, the doctors felt that it was likely that Bertha was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease as she was suffering from short-term memory loss and confusion. In order to make an assessment regarding her future care, she remained in hospital for three months.

• Delay in diagnosis of fractured hip contributes to death

  Dorothy was admitted into hospital to receive treatment for her chest infection. Whilst in hospital Dorothy fell injuring her head and leg. She informed the nursing staff that she was suffering with pain and swelling, but no further action was taken and staff continued with her physiotherapy.

• Numerous falls in hospital lead to woman’s death

  Eileen was 74 years old at the date of her death. She had a number of medical problems and was admitted to Heartlands Hospital in June 2004 following a fall.  She was found to have a fracture of the hip, which was surgically repaired on 22 June 2004. She appeared to recover well from surgery.

• Negligence at Birmingham nursing home

  Throughout 2002 twenty seven residents died at the Maypole Nursing Home in Birmingham.  The home, owned by Dr Hari Gopal and wife, Dr Pratury Lakshmi, housed vulnerable elderly residents and closed in March 2003.