The Metro* recently reported that, 80-year-old Kathleen Waters, who suffered from Dementia, was left with severe second-degree burns on her back after falling against an unprotected radiator.
The burns were so bad that Mrs Waters needed a four-hour operation and spent two months in hospital recovering from the incident.
Bosses at the care home have since admitted that their staff were aware that Mrs Waters was a resident with a high risk of falls and who was also prone to seizures, yet they had failed to install radiator covers or have staff members monitoring her.
Amanda Drinkall, Kathleen’s daughter, said: “Caring for someone with dementia is a 24-hour job and when we chose a care home, we went with Manor House because it seemed to be the best,”
“It has been a nightmare though and I feel completely let down and disappointed that this was allowed to happen to my mum”.
The owners of the Manor House care home have admitted failing to provide safe care and treatment resulting in avoidable harm to Kathleen as part of a case brought by the CQC.
They are now also facing a civil claim for neglect as Kathleen’s daughter takes legal action.
Amanda added that after the accident, “My Mum was left scarred, endured pain and suffering, developed a pressure sore after her operation and suffered further deterioration in her physical and mental health, as well as psychological trauma,”.
Medical negligence specialists Hudgell Solicitors, who are representing the family, said: “Mrs Waters was badly let down by the care home through a string of failings”.
“A radiator with the capacity to cause such injuries should not have been in her bathroom uncovered, and serious questions have to be asked as to why this was not identified as an injury risk before the accident”.
The importance of radiator covers in care homes has been highlighted many times. Guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), state that where there is a risk of a vulnerable person sustaining a burn from a hot surface, precautions, such as covers, must be taken to prevent direct access to the heated surface.
According to the HSE, each year more than 200 Nursing and Care Home residents suffer severe burns. The risk of burns from radiators can easily be prevented with the simple installation of a radiator cover. Read our previous post which answers frequently asked questions regarding Radiator Regulations in Care Homes.
The Radiator Guard by Cardea
The Radiator Guard from Cardea is designed to offer a simple solution for Care Homes to safeguard their radiators and eliminate the risk of burns. The benefits are…
HSE Guidelines – Conforms to the latest guidelines for managing risks from hot surfaces in health care establishments.
Heat Circulation – Unlike traditional radiator covers, our mesh guard design allows heat to flow freely around the room to minimise heat loss.
Easy Maintenance – The ‘Hook-Mounted’ design allows for easy removal for routine cleaning and maintenance.
Bespoke Design – Can be tailored to suit your needs, including additional flaps and valve cut-outs.
If you would like to find out more about radiator guards for Care Homes, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0161 413 0766 or send us an email.
*Sources, Metro UK.