Mrs M was suffering from dementia and a resident in a Care Home when she was admitted to Accident and Emergency due to pneumonia. She had to be put on nil by mouth due to difficulty in swallowing. The need for regular oral hygiene treatment/mouth care was noted but not provided for a period of approximately two weeks before she was discharged for palliative care.
Reports were obtained from a Respiratory Surgeon to ensure that no breaches of duty of care had resulted in Mrs M’s death and also from a Consultant Physician specialising in Geriatric Care regarding the lack of treatment she received for oral care.
The family of Mrs M eventually received a sum of £3,500.00 from the Hospital Trust for the breaches of duty of care in relation to Mrs M’s mouth hygiene.
