Care home is cleared of negligence over death

8:03am Saturday 11th October 2008

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A CARE home has been cleared of negligence over the death of one its residents from blood poisoning.

A criminal investigation was launched into Victoria House, in Darlington, after a 75-year-old man died of septicaemia.

Durham Constabulary’s major crime team was understood to have been involved in the inquiry into the level of care received by James Cooksey at the privately run care home, in Barton Street.

Last night, police said the multi-agency inquiry led by Durham Constabulary was closed after finding no evidence of negligence.

Shortly after the investigation was launched, the care home announced it was due to close and its owners, Winnie Care, issued a 90-day notice of closure last month to Darlington Borough Council.

Winnie Care said this was not because of the investigation, but due to difficulties in keeping the care home viable with the amount of funding it received from the council.

Mr Cooksey, who is believed to have relatives in North Yorkshire, died in Darlington Memorial Hospital on August 22 this year.

A post-mortem examination confirmed he had died of septicaemia.

The inquiry into the circumstances of his death began on the day he died.

A police spokesman said: “Following a detailed investigation of the facts by an independent healthcare expert, we are satisfied there is no evidence of negligence by the nursing home.

“The criminal investigation has ended and a file is being prepared for the coroner.”

Last night, Gary Chisholm, the operations manager of the Winnie Care Group, said that over the past three years Victoria House faced severe operational problems despite efforts to maintain the highest level of care.

This was due to the funding it received from the council and the low number of placements of potential residents by the authority making the home inviable.

He added: “Discussions with Darlington Adult Services were held in March and April this year to try and establish a more realistic fee for the care that would at least provide a break-even situation for the home.

“Evidence of the care needs of the individual clients at Victoria House were provided to demonstrate the high staffing costs associated with this group.

“Darlington Adult Services stated they would be unable to place future residents at the home, since it was not the right model for care. There would only be a minimal increase in fees and they would be unable to provide further support.

“At the time of Mr Cooksey’s death, Winnie Care was already considering options for the future of the home and had been for sometime.”

The authority is looking to find alternative rooms for the 19 residents before Christmas.

However, it has said that there is no panic and it hopes to have all residents in alternative accommodation before the deadline.