Care home provider’s actions caused vulnerable resident’s death after tragic fire in supported living accommodation, inquest finds
Ashlie Timms, aged 46, died in supported living accommodation in April 2018 after staff failed to call 999 promptly and evacuate her during a fire. The jury concluded that the actions of Sequence Care Group (SCG), Ramsay Safety Solutions and the London Fire Brigade all contributed to her death, following an inquest before Area Coroner Graeme Irvine at Walthamstow Coroners Court that concluded today. The inquest today found the death of Ashlie Timms was caused by the following: At the time of her death, Ashlie Timms was living at Connington Court in Waltham Forest, a residential care home run by Sequence Care Group (SCG). Timms suffered from a personality disorder as well as restricted mobility and had a care package and Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) which required staff to approach her immediately and instruct her regarding evacuation in the event of a fire. The fire alarm sounded at a time between 1:30 am and 2 am on 20th April 2018, but staff did not immediately evacuate Timms due to ignorance of the fire procedures as well as the fire alarm being mislabelled which led some staff to check the wrong side of the building first. By the time staff reached the correct side of the building, they claim they were unable to enter Ashlie’s flat from the corridor due to being overwhelmed by smoke. The fire brigade were not called until 2:13 am, up to 45 minutes after the fire alarm sounded. The jury heard that a staff member knocked at a neighbour’s door to inquire about the number to call for the emergency services. The jury also heard from support workers on shift that night who said that they had never seen Ashlie’s PEEP. Ashlie’s family, led by her niece Bryony Timms, and represented at the inquest hearing by barrister, Patrick Roche of Garden Court Chambers, are particularly concerned about the shocking failures of SCG employees on the night of the fire, as well as fire procedures being completely unfit for purpose, having been copied from fire procedures for commercial premises. In a report conducted by the London Fire Brigade (LFB), Watch Manager Drummond concluded that if a staff member had implemented the PEEP properly, “it is likely that in the initial stages of the fire, the staff member would have been able to assist Ms Timms away from danger into an area of safety”. This is consistent with his conclusion that at the time the alarm first went off, the fire was still quite small, readily survivable and that the conditions were tenable for evacuation. Fire safety expert Colin Todd also described the delay in staff calling the LFB as ‘totally unacceptable’. Robert Dalrymple, acting CEO of SCG told the Coroner that if staff had called 999 and evacuated Ms Timms immediately, in line with her PEEP and national guidance for supported living accommodation, then Ashlie would have been rescued and taken to safety. The manager of Connington Court at the time agreed that Ashlie’s death was avoidable. Mr Dalrymple told the jury that he was also alarmed that one of the staff members, who still works at SCG, still does not know the correct fire procedure, four years after Ashlie’s death. Despite the accepted failings, SCG have yet to apologise to the family. Furthermore in recent changes made to the premises, SCG had installed a combination lock on the inside of Ashlie’s flat door that required her to enter a four digit number to exit the flat. Without having a form of manual override, this was described by Colin Todd as ‘dangerous’ and a practice that he had never seen before. During the fire, Ashlie was able to exit her bedroom and reach this flat door unassisted but she did not manage to escape from the flat. Mr Todd also points towards the failures of Ramsay Safety Solutions (RSS), who were responsible for advising SCG about their fire procedures and conducting fire risk assessments. The representative of RSS accepted in the inquest that they were not qualified to conduct these risk assessments and draft these procedures for supported living accommodation. Todd described the last risk assessment in 2017 as ‘absurd’ and deficient in a number of respects, including the failure to highlight the absence of automatic transmission of alarm signals. The same fire risk assessment, as well as an audit carried out by London Fire Brigade (LFB) in October 2017, also failed to identify the fact that the fire safety procedures were not fit for purpose. The LFB audit in October 2017 was described by LFB Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stephen Norman as ‘flawed’. The inquest also exposed that after the incident, the LFB discovered that 45% of care homes sampled had unsuitable fire risk assessments and 21% had missing/defective/lack of fire detectors. This is despite the fact that care homes and supported living accommodation are considered amongst the most at risk premises from fire. DAC Stephen Norman accepted at the inquest that at the time of the the fire, there had been ‘significant failures’ in the LFB audit process. The LFB report indicates that it is likely that the fire started in Ashlie’s bedroom between the bed and the table. Jury stated the fire was likely caused by the ingition of fabric materials by a fan heater. Bryony Timms, Ashlie’s niece, said: “Given the number of serious failures that all contributed to Ashlie’s death, this was a very difficult hearing to sit through for us but we welcome today’s conclusion. I will never get back the many years of friendship that I had to look forward to with my Aunt, Ashlie, and while no verdict can bring Ashlie back to us, we hope desperately that lessons will be learnt, and the competency of care staff improve, to stop other families from suffering similar tragedy in the future.” Aston Luff, Solicitor at Hodge Jones & Allen, representing the family of Ashlie Timms, added: “The circumstances of Ashlie Timms’ death are shocking. Her family were entitled to trust that she
Hand Health Solutions with System Hygiene
Handwashing remains one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infection in care homes. Hand decontamination plays a dual role in helping to protect both residents and staff from acquiring micro-organisms that can cause harm. Hands may look clean, but micro-organisms are always present — some harmful, some not. Removing micro-organisms remains the most important factor in preventing germs and bacteria from being transferred to other people or the environment. System Hygiene supports care homes and social care facilities in breaking the chain of infection by providing a range of products that are effective when nearby handwashing facilities are not available. Our clients carry hand sanitiser on clips while on duty and in strategically placed wall dispensers for other locations. Portable touchless dispensing stations are ideal for when hand sanitiser or soap needs to be deployed quickly between high-traffic hotspots. Pump bottles and alcohol wipes close the circle for on-the-go hand hygiene. We also stock a comprehensive range of PPE including disposable gloves, aprons and masks. System Hygiene has supplied hygiene products to the health sector for over 38 years. Specialist virucidal disinfectants — effective against viruses, bacteria, fungi & spores including MRSA, GAS, C. diff, Norovirus and Coronavirus — are stocked for next-day delivery. For sales and service, please call System Hygiene’s friendly customer services team on 01282 777999. All major brands are stocked. CHSA member. ISO quality certified.
FSB sets out social care recommendations as £12bn ‘health and social care levy’ takes effect
FSB sets out social care recommendations as £12bn ‘health and social care levy’ takes effect The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has set out a plan of reforms to tackle issues which are making life harder for small firms in the adult social care sector in England. Its recommendations come as the Government’s 1.25 percentage point increase to national insurance and dividend taxation takes effect, a move set to have a big impact on care homes which are already up against high energy costs, labour shortages and widespread workplace absences due to Covid. The latest Office for National Statistics figures show that more than one in ten (13%) health and social care firms are not currently fully trading. The group is calling on the Government to set up a cross-department task force on social care, to give the sector the attention it deserves, take action to ameliorate the long-running recruitment crisis in the sector, and help social care workers with transport costs. With an ageing population already increasing the demand for carers and support services, getting more people to consider a career in adult social care will be crucial, as will boosting retention levels. The UK’s largest business group is also encouraging those within the care sector to check their eligibility to access the newly uprated Employment Allowance, which benefits around 60,000 health and social care businesses annually. It is also flagging unspent Covid support grants at the local level for hard pressed small firms. FSB is calling for: Melanie Ulyatt, FSB’s National Vice-Chair, who runs a care business, said: “There are many challenges facing the adult social care sector, while demands on care providers are only intensifying with another increase in employment costs from today. “The Government can show it is serious about helping the sector thrive by setting up a task force to consider social care issues from every angle, ensuring that the direction of travel is similar across departments and agencies. “Putting in place measures to raise the profile of social care and tackle labour shortages is a necessary step. Failure to act will exacerbate the acute crisis in social care recruitment, making it harder for vulnerable people to get the levels of care they need. “The adult social care sector plays a vital role in caring for elderly and vulnerable people, and ensuring that the sector has a sufficient pool of staff will be ever-more important as the UK population’s age profile gradually increases. Making social care a more attractive career choice, through apprenticeship and T Level incentives, is definitely smart policy. “We were pleased to see the Government followed our recommend to expand the Health and Care visa to include social care workers, a change which came into effect in mid-February and which will last for 12 months. “Many care workers rely on their cars to get them to clients’ homes and care settings, so we think allowing them to claim the higher rate of tax relief for their full mileage would be a good move to help offset their transport costs, especially as fuel prices have risen sharply over the last year, while in many areas public transport does not represent a viable alternative. “Like all small businesses, social care providers are vulnerable to cashflow problems caused by late payment. There’s no reason why local government bodies should not be required to prove that their payment practices are swift and fair, as large businesses have to. Removing this disparity will help encourage prompt payment and ease cash pressures in small business supply chains, including among social care providers. “The Government rightly took forward our proposal to increase the Employment Allowance at the Spring Statement and we’re urging all small businesses to make use of that vital relief. As well as speaking with us, firms which are struggling should also reach out to their local authorities – in many locations covid support grants are still yet to be allocated.”
Barbara celebrates her 101st Birthday !
Resident at New Copford Place Celebrates Her Landmark Birthday Saying The Secret To A Long And Happy Life Is ‘Men’. At Friends of the Elderly’s New Copford Place care home in Colchester, Essex, the care team has been celebrating Barbara Purves’ milestone 101’st Birthday with gifts, cards and a special birthday afternoon tea treat complete with music and singing with her care home friends. Barbara, who has been a resident at New Copford Place since September 2019, grew up in Surrey and has many happy memories of attending school, where Sports was her favourite subject as “I was quite good at it,” Barbara recalls. Talking about her move to New Copford Place, Barbara said: “I decided to come to New Copford Place as I was so taken with the home’s beautiful gardens. I love gardening, it’s always been a hobby of mine and it’s lovely to be able to enjoy the delightful, picturesque grounds.” Daniel Sabau, the Care Home Manager at New Copford Place said: “Barbara is an amazing woman; always smiling, cheerful and a very proud lady. Even when she had problems with her legs that caused her massive pain every time she had her dressings changed, she’d squeeze my hand, but then joke and laugh about it. She is also quite a character.” “Everyone here at New Copford Place wanted to make sure Barbara had a wonderful, unforgettable 101st Birthday,” said Camilla Korgba, the care home’s Activities Coordinator. “Barbara is a fun, lovely lady who likes to get involved with our activities, she’s particularly keen on Balloon Tennis. Barbara is a real personality and a well-loved and caring member of our New Copford Place family. Barbara continued: “I had a really lovely 101st birthday, it was a very special day. I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday tea, not only the delicious birthday cake, but all the music, singing, laughter and chatter, it really made my day.” Daniel added: “Barbara is always “shooting” us with her walking stick or “chasing” us throughout the home, making us all laugh. I met Barbara on my first day at New Copford Place and I can’t imagine this place without her. We’re all so glad Barbara enjoyed her landmark day, we wanted it to be special, just like her.” “The other day I was asked what was my secret to a long and happy life? I’d have to say men!” concluded Barbara.
Care settings with touch screen technology
With an extremely challenging last 24 months in the care sector, 100s of residential and nursing homes across the UK have opted for the highly engaging option of Inspired Inspirations giant touch screen activity tables, enhancing the well-being of all service users. With external activities and entertainers visiting limited, 1,000s of residents have been kept physically, mentally and emotionally active through touch screen technology. Often described as an “activity coordinator on wheels”, you can keep residents stimulated either in groups or individually, with 100s of activities to choose from at the touch of a screen. This being particularly important for those who can’t or won’t leave their rooms, allowing you to take a huge array of activities to your service users. When Inspired Inspirations initially brought their Tiny Tablets to market, they listened to the care sector, who quite firmly told the team that they wanted a one price solution. Because of this, Inspired Inspirations have no on-going service fees. Their price lists include delivery, 3 year warranty and unlimited training & support for your nominated member of staff. Using an app based system, rather than Windows, Inspired Inspirations = can supply access to the Google Play store. This allows you the opportunity to download 1,000s of free and engaging apps, so you have the most cost effective and person centred care, mobile, all-in-one activity solution. Inspired Inspirations directors have spent the last 5 years working closely with the care sector to perfect their offering, not just as a product, but to include free and continuous training after you have purchased your table. With an online learning hub, they have amassed a training portfolio to ensure your service users enjoy maximum engagement with your touch screen devices. There is no danger of your table collecting dust after a few weeks of use, as Inspired Inspirations are always on hand to help you and your residents maximise the enjoyment through the use of touch screen technology. They have even collated a list of 160 tried and tested apps to download, allowing you to keep the daily engagement with your service users fresh and exciting. With staff availability and enthusiasm being even more important now than it ever has been, using their time wisely is key! Time taken to set up and clear away usual activities is decreased. We can even supply a 7 day a week activity plan, to ensure you get maximum fun with your residents. At the touch of a screen you can access 1,000s of quizzes, rather than making your own. Enjoy bingo, create song & dance playlists on a streaming service, complete arts and crafts without the mess and so many more activities to enjoy. To find out more, visit www.inspired-inspirations.com email info@inspired-inspirations.com or call the team on 01746866715
Care Roadshows are back!
Care Roadshows are a series of free regional care events throughout the UK that inform and inspire care home owners, care managers and all those within the healthcare sector. Coming to five locations across the UK, they are the only UK care events reaching the entire sector – meaning they are accessible to many and produce more connections and quality networking than you can find anywhere else. Join like-minded care professionals for an inspirational day with free CPD seminars, an exhibition showcasing the sectors best suppliers and products and the chance to meet and gain support from sector associations. New for 2022 are free panel discussions made up of some of the leading names in the sector. Update your knowledge on recent events and changes within the sector and generate new, inspirational ideas for your care company. Visitors can also take advantage of exclusive show deals and special offers and be entered into the free £100 cash prize draw. Location and dates for 2022: To register for your free place at the show – click here
Healthcare Ireland acquires Priory Adult Care’s seven Northern Ireland homes
Healthcare Ireland (HCI), the Holywood, County Down headquartered care home operator, has completed the purchase of Priory Adult Care’s portfolio of seven Northern Ireland facilities. The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, accelerates the group’s ambitious expansion plans and makes Healthcare Ireland the largest privately-owned care home group in Northern Ireland with some 24 sites and over 2,000 staff. The new additions include seven homes across Northern Ireland: Carlingford Lodge Care Home in Warrenpoint, Bannview Care Home in Banbridge, Cairnmartin Care Home in Belfast, Bohill Residential Care Home in Coleraine, Ben Madigan Care Home in Newtownabbey, Blair House Care Home in Newtownards, and it has also purchased the learning disability facility at Bohill House Care Home in Coleraine which will be operated by Gold Healthcare, the specialist adult services division of HCI. All the homes are purpose built. One of these was constructed by HCI for Priory Adult Care in 2011 and the purchase follows negotiations over the last 2.5 years. Gilbert Yates, Chief Executive Officer of HCI, said: “At Healthcare Ireland, we are focused on providing the best possible care for each and every one of our residents and the seven new homes will allow us to bring our person-centred approach to more and more people. We are proud to acquire this portfolio of high-quality care facilities which will dovetail perfectly with our range of homes across Northern Ireland. “With the addition of these homes as well as a strong pipeline of new build sites across Northern Ireland, we are further enhancing the provision of top-quality living environments for our residents and we will continue to focus on building world class facilities going forward. We are deeply proud that with this latest purchase we are now one of the fastest-growing healthcare groups in the UK and can bring our person focused approach to more and more people, who deserve the very best care available.” HCI has a further six new-build care home sites planned across Northern Ireland, with the next project in East Belfast and a five-acre healthcare village also in the Greater Belfast area. The company has an excellent working relationship with the Healthcare Trusts across Northern Ireland, working in partnership to bring the highest quality of care possible to residents.
Spring Clean – Care Home Cleaning Options
Keeping any venue clean is a full-time job, especially for care and nursing homes. Staff in such environments are normally torn between caring for their patients / residents, preparing meals, keeping the building up to hygiene standards, admin duties and other responsibilities. Performing all these demanding tasks is time-consuming meaning when it comes to cleaning, having access to products which can make the job quicker and more efficient can be a huge help. So, when it comes to cleaning solutions for care homes there are a few different options available which can help speed up the process. Ultimately, the best way to reduce the time needed to keep areas clean is by utilising a simple and easy to follow plan which all employees can understand and manage. Cleanliness and hygiene are an essential in care homes to prevent the spread of diseases throughout a vulnerable demographic. At Alliance Online we have a wide variety of cleaning equipment designed for commercial cleaning such as care home cleaning. We only supply products from trusted suppliers with a long tenure of producing quality products which are thoroughly tested before entering any market. For more information regarding the products mentioned in our list, contact us on 0844 844 4300 www.allianceonline.co.uk/ or email us at response@alliancenational.co.uk
Care with Focus
At Willow we are working to save caregivers time and stress. We aim to do that with our sensor textile mats that can detect bed exits and body fluids such as urine, blood, vomit or faeces. When a vulnerable person is leaving their bed or body fluids come into contact with the mat the sensor sends a signal to either a call system or our app (search TEXIBLE Wisbi on either google play or the app store). The mat initially connects to the smart device you have the app on via Wi-Fi, however once you have connected once you will automatically reconnect as soon as the mat is activated. These prompt signals support the caregivers in their daily work while also improving the vulnerable persons safety and well-being. As long as you have either data signal or Wi-Fi connection you will receive the signals not matter how far you are from the mat. We also provide a range of high-quality Incontinence Disposables that includes Diapers, Pull-Ups, Under Pads, Wearable Pads and more. Interested? Get in touch:dylan.napier@willowdesign.uk.com 07384 528046willowdesign.uk.com
