Vulnerable residents of a care home in south Wales, owned and run by a doctor, died after suffering from alleged neglect including dehydration, malnourishment and pressure sores, an inquest has heard.
Police uncovered evidence of “general neglect” when they investigated Brithdir nursing home, near New Tredegar, Caerphilly, the inquest on six residents aged in their 70s and 80s was told.
Dr Prana Das, who owned and ran the nursing home, faced charges relating to alleged failings in care before he suffered a brain injury during a burglary at his home and was declared medically unfit to stand trial. He died last year.
On Monday the assistant coroner for Gwent, Geraint Williams, opened the inquest into the deaths of six residents between 2003 and 2005.
Williams said the police operation – codenamed Jasmine – uncovered evidence “suggesting poor care of residents, including allegations of poor pressure sore and peg (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) feed management, malnourishment, and general neglect of the residents’ long-term needs, together with deficient standards of care and nursing practice”.
Among those who died was Edith Evans, 85, who loved dancing, the inquest was told. When she was admitted to hospital, nurses found the site around her feeding tube “infected”, while broken skin was found on her buttocks and she appeared “unkempt and dirty, and her mouth and lips were dry and her tongue was thick”.
Stanley James, 89, a retired steelworker who had a history of dementia, developed pressure sores on his buttocks and one on his heel.
Stanley Bradford, 76, a former miner who had schizophrenia, was admitted to hospital on several occasions to be treated for “dehydration, chest and urine infections”, and before his death was considered “seriously malnourished” by doctors, the inquest heard.
June Hamer, 71, a retired wages clerk; Evelyn Jones, 87, a former seamstress; and William Hickman, 71, an ex-miner, all had pressure sores.
The coroner said that when Das was confronted with concerns about the home, he became evasive and difficult. Williams said: “When they raised unacceptable poor care for the residents he was of the view he was being victimised and became unreasonable.”
Williams said the inquest would consider the actions of nurses and carers at the home and the authorities charged with overseeing it. “Brithdir was not in isolation,” he said. “Some residents were placed by Caerphilly county borough council and the local health board.”
The inquest, which is taking place in Newport, is due to last until March. A hearing into the death of a seventh resident, Matthew Higgins, 86, will be held at a later date.
