31/01/06 - Care home death 'neglect factor'

Neglect contributed to the death of an elderly man taken from a care home and admitted to hospital severely dehydrated, a coroner has said.

Albert Mitchell, 83, died three days after leaving Hillcrest Care Home in Cardiff, in 2002.

A report said his fluid intake was "grossly inadequate" and it upheld a complaint he was clinically dehydrated.

An inquest recorded death by natural causes and coroner Mary Hassell said "neglect" was a contributory factor.

The inquest on Tuesday heard how Mr Mitchell - who had poor eyesight and required a walking frame - died of septicaemia, secondary to a urinary tract infection.

On learning the condition of the former steelworker on leaving the care home in Newport Road, the court was told how the family contacted the Care Standards Inspectorate of Wales (CSIW) and urged them to fully investigate his death.

The CSIW report - admitted as evidence at the inquest - revealed how staff at the University Hospital of Wales found a yellow crust coating his eyelids and pressure sores on his body.

The investigation also said Mr Mitchell from the Heath area of Cardiff, was given two-and-a-quarter glasses of water over a three day period prior to his admission to hospital.

The report concluded that his intake was "grossly inadequate" and upheld a complaint that he was clinically dehydrated.

Two further complaints relating to Mr Mitchell's sores and his catheter were also upheld.

A solicitor acting on behalf of Hillcrest Care Home was unavailable for comment.

Source : BBC