Care home staff lied about patient’s fall
OVERWORKED care staff at a failing home lied about an elderly patient tumbling out of bed - saying her injuries were caused by her false teeth falling out.
Simona Petcu and Maria Stoian, 24 and 37, ‘panicked’ when a dementia patient who was left alone in her room ended up on the floor at Weston Park Care Home, Macclesfield.
Stockport magistrates heard they picked up the 95-year-old, put her in bed and called for a nurse.
But when help arrived they attributed her cut mouth to her dentures. It was only when bruising appeared on her face that an ambulance was called and their lie unravelled.
At hospital further bruising was found on her body and the patient received the correct treatment seven hours after the accident, which happened in November last year.
Petcu, of Pitt Street, Macclesfield, and Stoian, now of Seaside, Eastbourne, were given 12-month conditional discharges after admitting ill-treatment or wilful neglect.
But Andrew Downie, defending Stoian, said the pair were ‘overworked’ at Weston Park.
Just a month later the home, on Moss Lane, was branded ‘inadequate’ and put in special measures following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Mr Downie said: “They were given responsibility for washing, changing, dressing and making good 15 residents in two hours.
“This is a heavy responsibility if any personal time has to be given, which is often the case.”
In sentencing, chairman of the bench Joe Bangadu, said: “That is a lot, we understand it can be difficult to give your full care to an individual if you have this amount.
“It makes your job very difficult, it is an onerous task.”
But he added: “What was found seven and a half hours later could have been more serious, a life could have been lost.”
It was said Petcu, the more experienced worker, suggested the cover up. Both defendants, originally from Romania, lost their jobs.
Stoian - who needed a translator - now works as a cleaner while Petcu is about to qualify as a personal trainer.
Prosecuting, Ashley Seetal said: “Both were responsible for looking after her. The defendants have said they pan- icked.”
Defending Petcu, Nikki Mundy said: “It was a job she got considerable satisfaction from. She is an ambitious young lady who is dedicated to having a future here in the UK.”
Both must also pay £85 costs and were said to be sorry.
Weston Park is now graded as ‘requires improvement’ following a CQC inspection in March. The home has been contacted for comment.