LOCAL care agency MiHomecare has come under more fire following criticism received from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the organisation which monitors care organisations.
In our last issue, Melksham News reported on the findings of the CQC following an announced visit to MiHomecare – Wiltshire in January.
This large domiciliary care agency provides care and support to people in their own homes on a short and long term basis. The agency manages the local authority’s Help to Live at Home contract. This was the first inspection undertaken by the CQC concerning information they had received about alleged missed visits to people who used the service.
The CQC looked at the service provided by MiHomecare and found that it was of an acceptable standard in only one of five inspection categories. The Melksham-based branch of the company, which provides personal at-home care for approximately 200 vulnerable people, was deemed to not be safe, effective, responsive, or well-led.
Now BLB Solicitors’ clinical negligence specialist, David Gazzard, is currently acting for a local family whose elderly relative was being cared for at home by MiHomecare.
“Unfortunately, despite requiring help mobilising, the gentleman concerned suffered a serious fall whilst visiting the toilet and fractured his hip,” said David. “He was admitted to hospital for surgery but sadly passed away a week later.
“The family has been left devastated by this tragedy and despite lodging a formal complaint are yet to be provided with any answers to their questions. They have been told that the carer looking after their relative is no longer with the agency.
“I am advising the family on a claim for compensation and believe they are also entitled to an apology for the shortcomings in the care provided by the agency.”
MiHomecare is a national care provider with branches in nearly 20 counties across England.
They did not respond to efforts from Melksham News for a comment.
The full CQC inspection report can be read at www.cqc.org.uk.
