Care Home Fined £1.04M After Death of 93-Year-Old Woman in Scalding Incident

A care home in Bracknell has been fined £1.04 million following the tragic death of a 93-year-old resident, Frances Norris, who died after being scalded in a bath. Aster Healthcare, the owner of Birdsgrove Nursing Home, pleaded guilty to corporate manslaughter after the court heard that systemic negligence contributed to the fatal incident. 

 Frances Norris, a dementia patient, sustained severe burns in 2015 after being placed into a dangerously hot bath. Despite warnings about faulty hot water systems at the care home, no effective action was taken to address the issue. Days after the incident, Frances succumbed to her injuries. 

 The Legal Consequences 

In addition to the corporate manslaughter charge against Aster Healthcare, the court imposed a fine of £1.04 million on the company. This significant penalty reflects the gravity of the failings at Birdsgrove Nursing Home and serves as a reminder of the legal and moral responsibility care homes have in ensuring the safety and well-being of their residents. 

 The case underscores the critical importance of maintaining high safety standards in care settings, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals like those living with dementia. Had proper attention been given to safety concerns, Frances Norris’s death could have been prevented. 

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/oct/08/grossly-negligent-care-home-fined-1m-after-death-of-woman-93 

How to Ensure Safety in Care Homes 

Care home managers and staff must prioritise resident safety above operational costs, ensuring that equipment, such as hot water systems, is regularly checked and maintained to prevent such avoidable tragedies.  

For care homes to meet their legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, comprehensive risk management strategies must be in place. This includes regular safety audits, immediate action on identified hazards, and staff training to ensure residents’ well-being is always safeguarded. 

How CQMS Can Help 

At CQMS, our expert team can provide comprehensive risk assessments, audits, and tailored safety solutions to prevent incidents like this from happening. 

Contact us today to learn how we can support your care facility in safeguarding both residents and staff.