Care home fined following resident’s fall

A DEVON care home has been ordered to pay #68,000 after a resident suffered serious injuries in an ‘avoidable’ incident.

- MOLLY SEAMAN

On February 12, 2023, Mrs Veronica Matthews suffered a serious fall during a transfer at Woodland Park in Torquay, where she had been a resident since July 2022.

Due to health conditions, Mrs Matthews was unable to move independently. She was bed-bound and fully reliant on two carers with a hoist and sling for all her assisted moving.

Despite being unable to walk, Mrs Matthews was able to sit in a chair for periods of time.

On the day of the incident, two members of staff attended to move Mrs Matthews from her bed to a chair so she could eat lunch.

During the transfer, the team took the opportunity to weigh her using scales underneath the hoist.