Woman's care fell below standards, council told

Council delays in reviewing the care of a woman who was unable to move and communicate independently "fell below an acceptable standard", an ombudsman found.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman said the woman, named as Mrs C, had a care plan of four daily visits by Hallam24 Healthcare, on behalf of Sheffield City Council.

But it found evidence of missed care visits, instances where Mrs C had been left in an unsafe lying position in her bed, and a lack of incontinence pad changes.

Sheffield City Council has agreed to apologise to Mrs C's daughter, named as Miss B, for the care failings. Mrs C has since died.

Miss B alerted the council to concerns in April 2023 which included finding untaken pills and carers forgetting to give Mrs C breakfast.

After requesting a short-term review into Mrs C's care, Miss B moved in with her mother and reported further missed care visits despite meeting with care managers earlier that month.

In October 2023, Miss B reported concerns including carers not changing Mrs C's incontinence pads and leaving her in unsafe lying positions.

The ombudsman's report highlighted that the council had made safeguarding inquiries with Hallam24 Healthcare in November 2023 which were not presented to Miss B until August 2024, three months after Mrs C had died.

Sheffield City Council agreed to apologise to Miss B for the care given to Mrs C, the delays and lack of communication as well as a symbolic payment of £500 "to acknowledge the uncertainty, stress and worry caused by the fault".

The council will now have to provide staff training about good communication and issue a briefing to remind the council and Hallam24 Healthcare staff of the importance of reassessing and completing reviews of care plans in a timely manner.

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