Care Home Manager Sentenced for Cover-Up in Fatal Incident
A care home manager has been handed a prison sentence after orchestrating a cover-up following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of an elderly resident. The case, which has shocked the local community, highlights serious failures in care and accountability within the sector.
Details of the Tragic Fall
Shirley Froggett, an 84-year-old grandmother from Mickleover, was a resident at New Lodge care home after suffering a stroke in 2015. Described by her family as fiercely independent, she relied on carers for support due to her declining health. On September 19, 2018, Shirley was placed in a wheelchair that lacked a functioning lap belt. She subsequently fell from the chair, sustaining a broken leg and other injuries.
No immediate medical assistance was sought following the fall, and the family were falsely reassured that Shirley was unharmed. Concerned about her condition, relatives visited the following day and discovered she had received no medical attention. They insisted on calling emergency services, leading to her hospitalisation where she was diagnosed with a broken femur, a significant head injury, and extensive bruising.
Systematic Deception Uncovered
Shirley never recovered from her injuries and passed away from pneumonia in November 2018. During the investigation, three care workers initially provided false accounts, claiming Shirley had been properly secured in the wheelchair. However, it was later revealed that two of them, Nakeeba Akhtar and Prabina Thapa, were overheard admitting they had not used a lap belt and that care home manager Lindsey Foster had instructed them to lie about the incident.
A staff member reported the conversation to the new manager, prompting further inquiries. The investigation also found that nurse Amar Muneer, who was on duty when concerns were raised about Shirley's condition, failed to secure appropriate medical care despite assurances to the contrary.
Family's Heartbreaking Impact Statement
In a poignant impact statement, Shirley's daughter-in-law Elaine described the profound trauma endured by the family. She recounted the shock of seeing Shirley's injuries and the lasting emotional scars. Elaine emphasised that Shirley's death was agonising and drawn-out, leaving the family devastated. She expressed hope that public exposure of the case would prevent similar tragedies and underscore the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals.
Sentencing and Legal Outcomes
Lindsey Foster, 66, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and received a prison sentence of three years and one month. Amar Muneer, 47, admitted wilful neglect and was fined £600 with additional costs. Nakeeba Akhtar, 34, and Prabina Thapa, 38, both pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and received suspended sentences with unpaid work and costs.
Detective Constable Natalie Barnett, who led the investigation, stated that the failures in care were compounded by deliberate attempts to conceal the truth. She expressed hope that the sentencing would allow the family to find some closure and remember Shirley with the love she deserved.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for transparency and proper care standards in facilities responsible for the elderly and vulnerable.
