Complaint against Newcastle care services investigated
Summary
A joint investigation into the care given by the NHS and Newcastle City Council to a man with Down’s Syndrome found significant failings after a complaint was made by the man’s brother.
'A Report by the Health Service Ombudsman and the Local Government Ombudsman About the Care and Support Provided to a Person with Down's Syndrome’ (HC 1644) tells the story of Mr J, who was discharged into inappropriate, locked accommodation after being in hospital for seven months.
Mr J, who was an active, outgoing and sociable man, once lived with his wife in rented accommodation and received day-to-day support from Newcastle City Council, latterly through the Coquet Trust, to help maintain their independence.
In 2005, owing to concerns about a significant deterioration in his skills and health, Mr J was admitted to hospital for a five to six week assessment but remained in hospital for seven months, some five of those after he had been declared ready for discharge.
Mr J was discharged into inappropriate, locked accommodation, which he only left following his death ten months later. Mr J was 53. Mr J's brother, Mr K, complained about the care provided to Mr J.
The care providers involved, both Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust and the Council are to compensate, and apologise to the family.
The NHS Trust and the Council will also prepare, share and update progress on an action plan, showing what they have done (or will do) to prevent any recurrence of their failings.
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