Family of Inverclyde man struck by brain aneurysm hit out at care home

Andrew Hudson, 56, moved in to Maclehose Court two years ago after he suffered the aneurysm, leaving him unable to talk, eat or walk.

He needs round-the-clock care but his daughters Deborah and Joanne have had to lodge a series of complaints over the way he is looked after.

Deborah, who is a trained nurse, said: “Every single complaint to the association, the social work department and the Care Commission have been upheld but nothing changes.

“It’s draining the life out of us.

“We’re at the end of our tether.”

Deborah, 32, says she has had to raise a whole series of issues, ranging from her dad contracting MRSA to being administered medication he was allergic to.

The family were also upset over personal hygiene problems and Andrew’s wheelchair being left dirty.

They also complained about incontinence pads not being changed often enough.

Other issues included not having a catheter bottle emptied often enough or cleaned properly.

These points have all been documented in a series of complaints which have been upheld.

Deborah said: “The most recent incident was when my dad pressed his buzzer because he’d done the toilet.

“The member of staff said ‘I just asked you if you needed personal care’.

“He’d said he didn’t when they asked, but he has no control over his bowel movements.

“He told her,’ I didn’t then but I do now’ and the care assistant said ‘there’s other people in front of you but I’ll do you first to keep you happy’.”

Deborah said: “I was fuming about it.

“I complained and the complaint was upheld but the member of staff  dismissed it as ‘banter’. 

“It’s pure cheek — these care assistants are dealing with vulnerable people.”

After her complaint was upheld Deborah was told that staff were to go on brain injury training.

But she told the Tele: “We are not happy with the level of personal care and the time dad has to wait until his buzzer is answered. 

“My dad only uses his buzzer if he really needs to — he got stuck in the corner of his room one day and called me before he would press it.”

Dad-of-four Andrew owned a paint shop in Gourock and led a full and busy life with lots of friends but then his life changed in an instant.

He said: “I got up to brush my teeth and I just collapsed.
“I don’t remember what happened.”

He was rushed to Inverclyde Royal then transferred to the Southern General. 

Deborah said: “He had a huge operation to cap the aneurysm and then he had open brain surgery.

“We weren’t sure he was going to make it.

“He has to re-learn to speak and eat but he still needs help with eating and spent seven months in rehab.

“He’s made amazing progress, I can’t believe he’s survived it”

The family say they are determined to get the best care they can for their dad.

Deborah said: “He never asks for anything but any time we feel he is not getting cared for the way he should we will complain.

“Why should they get away with it?

“Dad’s life is difficult enough."

Deborah says she blames the problems on frequent management changes at Maclehose Court, which is run by Blackwood Homes and Care.

She said: “The care is inconsistent, there have been six managers in the last two years.

“There was a big reshuffle and a lot of people left.

“There’s no consistency, you deal with one manager then you have to start all over again with a new one.”

The health and social care partnership have been contacted by the family and social work staff are now involved and visiting on a weekly basis.

An Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership spokesman said: “We are aware of the concerns and are working with the family and Blackwood Homes and Care to ensure that Mr Hudson’s care needs continue to be met fully.” 

The Tele asked Blackwood to respond to the family’s comments.

In a statement they said: “Blackwood aims to deliver the best care we can for Mr Hudson.

“We speak regularly with him and with his daughters and have in place a formal weekly monitoring of his care.

“We have taken every action necessary to resolve issues when Mr Hudson expressed he was not happy with our service.

 “We keep the Care Inspectorate and the commissioners aware of our actions and of our concerns.

“We have offered to speak to Mr Hudson and his family to ensure that Blackwood is the right place for him and we encourage that conversation.

“In response to this complaint, we are also asking for a case conference to be held so that everyone involved in Mr Hudson’s care is clear on his future requirements.”