Hertfordshire Care home operator fined following resident death

Borehamwood-based Life Style Care PLC has been fined a total of £85,000 and ordered to pay a further £48,000 in costs after a resident with clinical dementia was suffocated by an unsecure wardrobe.

The resident at The Chase Care Home in Printers Avenue, Watford, suffered from a form of dementia that led to an obsession with clothing and a need to wear excessive layers. Sadly, she died when an unsecured wardrobe fell on top of her when she was trying to open it, rendering her unable to breath.

The company pleaded guilty to a single breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

More information can be found at the HSE http://press.hse.gov.uk/2014/care-home-operator-fined-following-resident-death/