Bonnyrigg care home fined after death of elderly woman left freezing outside for nearly two hours

A care home provider has been fined £400,000 after the death of an elderly woman left freezing outside for nearly two hours.

Susan Green was discovered lying in her nightwear in the external courtyard of Springfield Bank Care Home on December 16, 2021.

The 95-year-old had gone missing from the home in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian during the night after being left unsupervised by staff.

She was able to gain access to the courtyard where she fell and struck her head.

Mrs Greens was left in the freezing cold for an hour and a half before staff came to her aid.

She was admitted to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and died in hospital two days later.

Care home provider HC-One Ltd has now been fined £400,000 after pleading guilty to health and safety breaches following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

At Edinburgh Sheriff Court on February 22, HC-One Limited of Archer Street, Darlington pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations Section 3(1) and Section 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

Speaking after the case, HSE inspector Kerry Cringan said: “This error cost a vulnerable old lady her life – families think that their loved ones will be safe in care.

“This was tragic and wholly avoidable. Had the doors been kept locked at night or had there been a system where staff would be told if the doors to the courtyard had been opened, the accident could have been avoided.”

A spokesperson for HC-One said: “Our heartfelt condolences and sincere apologies are with the family and loved ones of Ms Greens, who was a much loved member of our home.

“We are clear that this tragedy should never have occurred and that we absolutely must learn lessons from it. Following the accident in 2021, we comprehensively reviewed the safety and security of all our homes. Colleagues have received additional training around the themes identified in this case, new door alarms have been fitted to alert colleagues when an external door is opened so appropriate checks can be completed, and we have introduced additional monitoring and supervision practices.

“While we know that we cannot change what happened to Mrs Greens, we hope the hearing and the comprehensive action we’ve taken will bring her family a sense of closure.”