In a statement issued by the Northern Ireland Health and Safety Executive, the watchdog said Belfast based Harmony CCS Limited was fined for a breach of Health and Safety rules following the death of Mary ‘Pat’ Thompson. Mrs Thompson passed away after a fall at the Rose Lodge Nursing home in Lisburn in 2020.
The statement added: “The court heard that while receiving personal care, Mrs Thompson was left sitting unattended at the edge of a bed. She subsequently fell forwards onto the floor and suffered multiple injuries. She passed away a number of days later in hospital.” “Any changes to a resident’s needs should be adequately risk assessed, documented and the information communicated to all care staff.”
On this occasion, the HSE said, a junior member of staff was directed by a senior member of staff to provide personal care for Mrs Thompson on her own. As a result, Mrs Thompson was moved by one carer and left unattended at the edge of the bed from which she fell.