Two siblings express their sorrow over the alleged severe shortcomings that preceded their mother’s passing in a care facility in Norfolk. They are now seeking clarification on the treatment she received.
Janet Noon, a former nurse, charity worker, and special constable, passed away at the age of 73 in a specialized dementia care home arranged by Norfolk County Council. It is asserted that her care did not meet the strict requirements outlined by Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS), a legal safeguard for individuals lacking the capacity to care for themselves.
The sons, Jonathan and James, raised concerns multiple times with Belvoir House Care Home in Brundall and Norfolk County Council’s adult social services division regarding their mother’s care. They emphasized that their mother, afflicted with Alzheimer’s, was not being taken out of the facility as frequently as mandated by her DOLS, which specified that regular activity was crucial for her well-being. This lack of physical activity is suspected to have had a hand in her demise.
Janet, who had two grandchildren, passed away on February 12 after an ambulance was summoned due to health concerns. Despite the paramedics’ presence, she was not transported to a hospital, and she succumbed to a pulmonary embolism blood clot at her residence in Gorleston, near Great Yarmouth.
The East of England Ambulance Service report highlighted that, based on the paramedics’ evaluation, Janet should have been transferred to a hospital. The service acknowledged its failure to act and initiated reflective practices.
Previously, Jonathan and James succeeded in two complaints against the council concerning their mother’s care, as confirmed by the Local Government Ombudsman. One finding from the Ombudsman advised that social workers at the council enhance their comprehension of safeguarding laws and the authority granted to relatives via Lasting Powers of Attorneys.
During Janet’s stay at Belvoir House Care Home, her sons raised other concerns, such as an incident where her finger was severely injured due to a lack of hinge guards on a door.
An inquiry into Janet’s demise is ongoing, focusing on the events leading up to her passing. Jonathan and James conveyed their grief and apprehensions to the Mirror, believing that other families may be encountering similar dismissals.
Jonathan, aged 45, stated, “Mum was catastrophically failed, and there was a recurring pattern of care failure. We followed the proper channels, lodging complaints, and even with Ombudsman rulings in our favor, our concerns were not heeded. Their inaction has left us devastated, feeling powerless to alter the outcome for her.”
James, aged 50, added, “The lapses in her care trace back to her previous facility, where the council imposed restrictions preventing us from taking mum out for 99 days. The bureaucratic hurdles and condescending attitudes make it an uphill battle. We want to raise awareness so that other families in similar situations know they are not alone.”
Legal firm Slater and Gordon is assisting Jonathan and James in investigating Janet’s passing and identifying the failures that led to it. Rebecca Hall, from Slater and Gordon’s clinical negligence team, affirmed their commitment to seeking justice and accountability.
A spokesperson for Norfolk County Council acknowledged the Ombudsman’s decisions regarding Ms. Noon’s care, expressing regret for the issues identified and assuring prompt corrective actions. The council awaits the Coroner’s findings regarding the circumstances surrounding Janet’s death.
Leah Cowley, Managing Director of Belvoir House, conveyed condolences to Janet’s family and friends. She mentioned that all necessary care and emergency protocols were followed when Janet fell ill and ultimately passed away at the facility. The home cooperated fully with investigations and has concluded all local safeguarding inquiries.