Aggressive Patients Need Trained Care Workers
Care homes are assumed to be professional organisations with trained personnel and procedures. It was a reality check at Swan House care home when a patient attacked his care worker while she helped him to use the toilet facilities.
Mr. Jack Tooby, aged 56 and suffering from dementia punched Ms. Hunt and held her in a violent headlock. Hapless and confused, Ms. Hunt managed to alert the emergency alarm. In the process she suffered serious injuries to her neck and shoulders.
The incident came as a shock as the care home was aware of the patient’s aggressive tendencies but did not move him into a facility that was trained for such needs. Ms. Hunt was also not a trained care worker though she was in employment with the care home for over 3 years.
The attack took place in September 2005 and as a result Ms. Hunt’s career ended as she could no longer lift any weight. The care home offered an out of court settlement compensation of £12,500 after a case was filed.
David Thompson of Thompson Solicitors was clear that the care home had failed in protection of its employees and had exposed Ms. Hunt to grave danger. The care home should have moved the violent patient to a suitable facility and also imparted proper training to Ms. Hunt. As it was a violation of both these procedures, the care home was liable for the damages caused. Ms. Hunt moved on to helping elders with learning difficulties as an alternate career.
Head of Health for UNISON’s South Eastern Region, Steve Brazier welcomed the settlement as it had proven that inadequate care home facilities could not escape the law. While many cases of care worker violence were reported there were many more that never saw the light of the day.
It is imperative that personnel handling violent patients require specific training and experience before they begin to care for such patients. It is wise and sensible to be forewarned and forearmed than taken by a violent surprise.
Protecting the health and safety of employees is an essential part of risk management. The safety consultants from Workplace Law can assist managers and supervisors in all they need to know to help handle health and safety in their teams to learn about the importance of promoting awareness and attitude, and communication about safety to improve the health and safety culture within an organisation.