Leyland woman appears in court over Blackpool care home offence

By Matthew Calderbank
Published 22nd Mar 2023, 11:49 BST
Updated 22nd Mar 2023, 12:56 BST
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A care worker has admitted failing to provide adequate care and treatment to an elderly woman at the home where she worked in Blackpool.

Rebecca Tucker, 30, of Goldcrest Avenue, Farington Moss, Leyland is said to have failed in her duty of care at Highbury House Care Home in Lytham Road, Blackpool from April to July 2021.

The case against her was adjourned to allow the unrepresented Tucker to file details with the court about her financial position and mitigation for what she has done.

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Blackpool Magistrates’ warned the offence carries ‘unlimited fines’.

Rebecca Tucker, 30, of Goldcrest Avenue, Farington Moss, Leyland is said to have failed in her duty of care at Highbury House Care Home in Lytham Road, Blackpool from April to July 2021Rebecca Tucker, 30, of Goldcrest Avenue, Farington Moss, Leyland is said to have failed in her duty of care at Highbury House Care Home in Lytham Road, Blackpool from April to July 2021
Rebecca Tucker, 30, of Goldcrest Avenue, Farington Moss, Leyland is said to have failed in her duty of care at Highbury House Care Home in Lytham Road, Blackpool from April to July 2021

Care Home shut down after damning report

The Highbury House Care Home was placed in special measures before it was shut down permanently following a damning report in 2020 from the Care Quality Commission – the government’s social care watchdog.

Inspectors visited the care home in Lytham Road over five days in August 2019 after a resident sustained serious injuries leading to a criminal investigation.

They made a number of shocking discoveries including poo stains on a mattress, a dirty medicine fridge and residents being given the wrong doses of medicine.

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While they didn't assess the injury incident due to ongoing criminal proceedings, they found huge concerns and alleged residents were at risk of ‘avoidable harm’.

The care home was rated as ‘Inadequate’ overall – the worst rating the CQC can issue.

The CQC then banned the care home provider, D M Care Limited, from running Highbury House, leading to the shut down of the site.

A spokesperson from D M Care Limited said the inspection was brought on "by two rogue senior employees who were negligent in their responsibilities and position.

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"The homeowner of 40 years did not have, nor was given enough, time to turn matters round.

"From being one of the best care homes on the Fylde coast, it was a tragic ending to a lot of many happy years and for a lot of families.”

You can read more about the care home report here.

The CQC were also critical of the level of care provided at the Ambassador Care Home in Lytham Road, Blackpool, which was also run by D M Care Limited.

This home was also rated as ‘Inadequate’ after the watchdog’s visit in 2021. Following publication of its report, D M Care Limited applied to deregister with the CQC.