Probe as woman, 96, suffers pressure sore

HAPPIER times . . . Elizabeth Crawford with grand-daughter Fiona at a Christmas party

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A FAMILY hit out at an Oldham care home after their 96-year-old relative was found to have a pressure sore which went down to the bone on her lower back.

Fiona Seymour accused Werneth Lodge Care Home of negligence and claimed the family were never told about her grandmother's ulcer.

Werneth Lodge, based in Manchester Road, said they were aware of the allegations and all complaints are taken very seriously.

An investigation is under way, with Oldham Council pledging that the safety and welfare of vulnerable residents is their priority.

Elizabeth Crawford (96), from Failsworth, was originally moved to Werneth for safety after being diagnosed with dementia and she resided at the home for more than two years.

Her granddaughter Fiona (51) said of her care: "She was dishevelled and dirty. We found crumpled clothing, things were stolen and not returned.

"My nana was admitted to hospital in December 2016 with a broken hip but by March 2017 she had a fourth-degree pressure sore despite the home's assurances they had facilities and staff to continue her care.

"As soon as she was discharged from hospital the Lodge management said she would be moved from her current room to one where they could use a hoist to help her in and out of bed. This never happened on her return to the home. She was returned to her original room with no hoist or apparent modifications."

Family said the pressure sores on Elizabeth Crawford's body were discovered when she was admitted to the Royal Oldham Hospital.

The former works convenor at Ferranti engineering was moved to Total Care in Chadderton on March 31.

Fiona's husband Colin Seymour (54) said: "To find she had fourth-degree bed sores, to the bone, was shocking. She is at the end of life. I have heard of this sort of thing ending in fatality. To have a 96-year-old suffering that way is terrible. She should be entitled to a decent level of care."

Family also claimed "residents were usually left to sit in a day room" while Elizabeth was staying at the home.

Colin also said he had witnessed Elizabeth climbing out of the window on one occasion as he drove passed the home.

Maggie Kufeldt, executive director of health and wellbeing at Oldham Council, said: "We are aware of some of the concerns raised but had not been previously notified about some of the others.

"We always investigate when concerns are raised and our priority is always the safety and welfare of vulnerable residents.

"We are undertaking enquiries with partners under our Multi-Agency Safeguarding policy and will be engaging with the family and the care home as part of this process."

Area manager at Werneth Lodge Bridget Summers said: "This is under investigation. We take all complaints very seriously."