Bupa fined for health and safety failings at Birmingham nursing home
Private healthcare company Bupa Care Homes Ltd has reportedly been fined a total of £150,000 for health and safety failures at one of its nursing homes in Edgbaston, Birmingham.
The failings at Bupa’s Amberley Court Nursing Home came to light under tragic circumstances. A 74-year-old woman, Brigid O’Callaghan, passed away at the home after an accident involving the belt of her wheelchair.
Following an investigation, it was revealed that health and standards at the home were not at the level they should have at the time of Ms Callaghan’s death. At Birmingham Crown Court, Judge Robert Juckes QC remarked:
“Plainly there was a falling away from the standards which the defendants in this case do set for nurses. Inspections both before and after the death demonstrate there was a degree of sloppiness in the running of the house in the months leading up to the death.”
Bupa admitted breaching health and safety regulations and received a fine of £150,000. The company has issued a number of sincere apologies and expressions of regret to Ms Callaghan’s family.
Maintenance and safety issues relating to equipment used in nursing homes are covered in most care training courses, specifically those dealing with the moving and handling of patients.