Police are currently investigating nine care homes owned by Sussex Health Care, due to claims that 43 people suffered injuries due to neglect whilst under their care, 12 of whom have since died. These deaths include the deaths of at least two young adults.
Police are examining the standard of care residents received at the care homes from April 2015 onwards, to determine whether there has been gross negligence sufficient to warrant any form of criminal prosecution.
Two additional cases have been investigated separately, and are not part of the fuller, ongoing investigation. These involved two gentlemen, who suffered fractures to their thigh bones, both within a short time of each other. On admission to hospital, a doctor triggered a safeguarding alert, and a safeguarding inquiry was held by West Sussex County Council. A serious case review has also been commissioned by the West Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board which is currently being compiled by an independent authority and is due to be published.
Orthopaedic consultants treating the men have suggested that the injuries could have been caused by “rough” or “poor” hoisting.
As well as handling claims against Hospital Trusts and General Practitioners, Pryers Solicitors are very experienced at handling cases involving death or injury as a result of care within a care home, such as those run by Sussex Health Care. We handle claims relating to elderly residents, but also claims regarding younger residents, who have required care due to other health problems, or respite care so that their families can have a break. Such injuries not only add to the distress that is already felt due to pre-existing health problems, but can also greatly affect that person’s ongoing health, recovery or future prognosis.
