Home / Crime and Justice / Care Home Settlement Over Painful Death
Care Home Settlement Over Painful Death
30 Apr
Summary
- Care home settled after 98-year-old died in pain.
- Infection led to delayed medical attention and suffering.
- Investigation confirmed prolonged and avoidable pain for resident.
A settlement has been reached concerning the death of 98-year-old Margaret Donaldson, who reportedly suffered significant pain for days at St Peter's Park Nursing Home in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex. The incident occurred in 2022 when Mrs. Donaldson contracted an infection, and her family's solicitors highlighted a delay in her receiving urgent medical attention.
Contact with her GP was made via email instead of the previously advised phone calls after her pain was recorded. A paramedic saw her five days later, and hospital staff noted she should have been seen much sooner. An investigation confirmed Mrs. Donaldson endured severe pain for an extended and avoidable period.
Her family raised serious concerns about the basic care provided, with her son describing her treatment as worse than an animal's. The care home, run by Agincare, reported the death but stated no action was taken against them following external investigations. A legal settlement was subsequently agreed upon without any admission of liability.
At the time of her ordeal, the facility held a "good" rating from the Care Quality Commission. The family also noted that extensive building works, including pneumatic drills, were underway near her room as her condition deteriorated, which they felt was a deeply troubling disregard for her comfort.
