After a relative with dementia and a past of violence attacked and dragged a grandmother out of her bed, a coroner condemned the care home’s and social service’s failures.
Jessie McKinlay, 91, was assaulted by 75-year-old Alan Whiteside at The Old Vicarage Care Home in Freckleton, Lancashire, in February 2019.
The great-grandmother, who had seven children, 16 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, died over two months later on April 21.
Alan Wilson, Coroner found Ms McKinlay’s performance was defective by her care home management who “inaccurately” claimed that they had the ability to handle Mr Whiteside. Lancashire County Council’s social services and mental healthcare practitioners also failed to communicate properly with McKinlay.
He added that these failings not only placed other residents at danger, but put Alan down too.
But he stated that the failings of his home did not constitute gross neglect for local authorities. He concluded with a narrative.
Following the inquest, Ms McKinlay’s daughters stated they believe her mother was ‘killed’ and pledged to pursue all those who have failed her.
Jessie McKinlay, 91 (photo above), was attacked in Freckleton by Alan Whiteside, 75, at The Old Vicarage Care Home, Freckleton in February 2019.
Blackpool Coroner’s Court heard yesterday that Mr Whiteside attacked Ms McKinlay violently, and then threw him out of the corridor.
According to the court, he attempted to punch her and kicked before being stopped by staff.
The inquest found that Mr Whiteside had mixed dementia and was verbally and physical abusive to staff and residents in certain instances.
The court was told that Mr Whiteside became aggressive despite previous efforts by his care home to decrease his agitation. They tried to change his medication in October 2018, which at first appeared to have worked.
According to the inquest, he also wandered into rooms belonging to other residents.
Alan Wilson Coroner stated that the severity of the danger he created for other residents was not appreciated by many people, including mental health professionals and social workers.
Reports indicate that Mr Whiteside was remorseful and apologized to police upon his arrest.
Ms McKinlay went to Royal Preston Hospital. There, she was treated for injuries that included a fractured right shoulder as well as a femoral injury on her right side.
The surgery was successful, but she did not receive a CT scan. On March 11, she was transferred from hospital to a nursing residence.
After being taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital, the pensioner returned to her nursing home to receive end-of-life care on April 2.
Alan Wilson, the coroner found that Ms McKinlay was let down by her care home management who “inaccurately” claimed they were well-equipped for dealing with Mr Whiteside. (care home below)
She was surrounded her family when she passed away on April 21.
An examination post-mortem revealed that Ms McKinlay had significant bronchopneumonia.
She was at risk of respiratory infections due to her frailty and increased mobility.
Mary Eaves spoke after the inquest and said that Ms McKinlay was a beautiful, bright, kind, generous woman. Her popularity was immense and she was extremely glamorous.
“She was an amazing person. Everyone gravitated towards her. It was such a joy to be with her.
“She was a great mother and was absolutely brilliant. All her great-grandchildren, grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren loved her. We have been through so much.
Ms Eaves, in tears, said that she was killed. She was beaten. Failures are possible.
The inquest found that Mr Whiteside had verbally and physical abuse towards staff and residents.
“I’ve waited three years for this. The chase will continue for everyone that has failed her. We’re so sorry.
Her family released a statement saying that Ms McKinlay and the other residents they cared for failed to protect her mother.
“A number of red flags were raised between July 2018 and February 2019 to expose the horrific abuses taking place at the care home. All incidents were captured during these months.
“The January 2019 whistleblower statement, which revealed many problems in the care home’s operations, wasn’t properly investigated. Many opportunities were lost due to poor communication between providers and agencies, care home managers, and caregivers.
“We stood by mum for nine weeks until she died. It was heartbreaking. She was able to avoid her death.
Wilson recorded a narrative conclusion. He said that McKinlay died as a result of significant injuries received after she was assaulted at her home, where she lived with another resident diagnosed with dementia.