Recurring concern

Unreliable escalation by care staff for required medical attention

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First reported 5 Sep 2013•Latest report 30 Jan 2026

Definition

What this concern includes

Includes inadequate or unembedded escalation procedures and failures by care staff to obtain medical assessment or advice when deterioration, pain or a recognised condition requires it.

Not included

  • Quality of treatment after medical input was obtained
  • Routine healthcare access delays outside the care-staff escalation process
  • Generic care staffing or training concerns that do not impair clinical escalation
Reports
48

Distinct published reports

Individual concerns
53

A report can raise multiple concerns

Date range
2013–2026

First to latest report issue date

Stated actions
75

Described in published responses

Reports over time

Reports over time

Reports about this concern issued each year.

* 2026 is projected from reports observed to 7 Sep 2026.

Most frequent recipients

Most frequent recipients

Reports about this concern sent to each recipient.

Care Quality Commission7
Recipient name withheld4
Care UK2
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence2
Nursing and Midwifery Council2
Royal Sussex County Hospital2
Abbey Care Village1
Adbolton Hall1
Angel Solutions (UK) Ltd1
Belle Green Court1
Belong Limited1
Bolton Borough Council1
Bury Borough Council1
Calderdale Royal Hospital1
Cann House Care Home1

Concerns and responses across reports

Only concerns grouped under this recurring concern are included. Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

  1. Manchester South

    AI-generated summary

    William Gordon Tolen · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    William Gordon Tolen was living at Shawe Lodge when he developed problems with his legs and left great toenail; a podiatrist removed the toenail, after which he developed cellulitis. The investigation concluded that the death was from natural causes, with septicaemia and cellulitis recorded as the medical cause of death. Concerns included inadequate record-keeping, delays in arranging podiatry care, insufficient staff training, and the inappropriate conditions in which the procedure was carried out.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Delays in confirming podiatry referral messages

    Wider context from the report

    “2. The need for the attendance of a podiatrist was, or should have been apparent to the staff at the home, and yet they allowed 5 days to pass without ensuring that their messages had been received, hence there was a delay before Mr Tolen was seen and treated.(Shawe Lodge) ”

    Source location

    William Gordon Tolen · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report
  2. Manchester South

    AI-generated summary

    Elsie Clarke · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Elsie Clarke was a resident at Hurst Hall care centre and developed significant pneumonia on 10 February 2015, dying later that day. The report identified concerns about missed opportunities to summon medical help, inadequate staff training and observations, failures in record-keeping and handover, and deficiencies in out-of-hours medical processes and death reporting.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to seek assessment from an available visiting GP

    Wider context from the report

    “(5) When a local GP was visiting another patient at the Home, the staff seemed unaware that they could and should have asked that doctor to look at this patient/resident. ”

    Source location

    Elsie Clarke · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Train senior staff on seeking assessment from another doctor or District Nurse and requesting an ambulance when necessary, with compliance monitoring.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Action taken Senior staff have undertaken additional training to ensure they are aware that they can ask another Doctor or the District Nurse to check a Resident they have concerns about if they are on the premises. They have been further advised that if they are in any doubt that they should request an ambulance. This continues to be monitored by the Home Manager, the Operations Team and Quality Assurance Team to ensure ongoing compliance.”

    Source location

    Elsie-ClarkeR
    Page 2 · response
    Published 20 August 2015

    Open published response
  3. Gateshead and South Tyneside

    AI-generated summary

    EDWIN THOMPSON · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Edwin Thompson, a 77-year-old residential care home resident with dementia, was found dead in a bathroom on 8 October 2011. The post-mortem identified a previously undiagnosed cardiovascular disease as the natural cause of death. The report identified concerns about protective measures for a vulnerable resident, delayed medical assistance, loss of contact with a resident prone to wandering, response to a final medical crisis, staff training, and record keeping.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of a clear directive for care staff to seek medical advice without delay for residents presenting with pain

    Wider context from the report

    “There is a need to draft and disseminate to all care staff a clear, simple and concise directive to care home staff to seek medical advice or assistance in respect of residents presenting with pain, particularly of a cardiac nature without delay. Staff with no medical qualification must not seek to speculate as to possible causes of symptoms and should not seek to medicate ( unless otherwise previously prescribed by a Medical Practitioner) or prescribe “remedies” of no or no known worth to anyone in their care. ”

    Source location

    EDWIN THOMPSON · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report
  4. West Yorkshire (East)

    AI-generated summary

    Mrs Gladys Smith · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Mrs Gladys Smith died while resident at a care home; the supplied text does not provide further circumstances of her death. The concerns included failures in repositioning, bruise and wound monitoring, falls assessment, weight and nutrition monitoring, dementia care, and delays or gaps in district nursing wound documentation and referral. The report also identified a lack of comprehensive national guidance on wounds and ulcers caused by impact injuries.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to proactively seek medical practitioners' care advice for residents with recognised medical conditions

    Wider context from the report

    “(h) Care Home staff do not proactively enquire of medical practitioners as to how to care for residents with certain medical conditions – for example, hiatus hernias, dementia. In the circumstances, Care Home staff should ensure proactive enquiries are made of relevant medical practitioners at the earliest opportunity as to the appropriate care for residents suffering from recognised medical conditions. ”

    Source location

    Mrs Gladys Smith · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Delays in seeking medical advice after apparent impact injury bruising

    Wider context from the report

    “(c) On or around 25 May 2012 bruising on the left side of Mrs Smith's bottom cheek was noted by a Care Home staff together with a blister. However, District Nurse attendance in respect of an open area on Mrs Smith's bottom on her left side took place 7 (seven) days later on 11 June 2012. In the circumstances, Care Home staff should ensure appropriate medical advice is sought at the first available opportunity upon noticing a bruise to a resident following an apparent impact injury; ”

    Source location

    Mrs Gladys Smith · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Delays in seeking medical advice after significant resident weight loss

    Wider context from the report

    “(f) Despite the aforesaid weight loss experienced by Mrs Smith, at no time was a nutrition chart implemented in order to monitor Mrs Smith's nutritional intake. Moreover, medical advice in relation to Mrs Smith's weight loss was only sought a number of weeks after the commencement of the said weight loss. In the circumstances, Care Home staff should ensure nutrition charts are completed in respect of any resident whose weight falls significantly and should ensure appropriate medical advice is sought at the first available opportunity following such a fall in weight; ”

    Source location

    Mrs Gladys Smith · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report
  5. Brighton and Hove

    AI-generated summary

    LINDA ANNE RIGNALL · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Linda Anne Rignall's condition changed on 5 May 2014, but the change was not reported to a doctor and she was not assessed; her condition worsened approximately four hours later without a medical review. The report states that this failure to refer her for assessment resulted in the only available window of opportunity to treat her being lost, raising concern about the Acute Medical Unit's fitness for purpose.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to escalate changes in patient condition for timely medical assessment

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) At 17:33 on the 5th May 2014, Linda Rignall's condition changed and this was recorded on the NEWS Observation chart. This change in condition should have been reported to a Doctor on the Acute Medical Unit and she should have been assessed. The position worsened some 4 hours later (the next time observations were performed) and there was still no request for a medical review. From the evidence it was clear to me and I found as you will see from the Conclusion that I recorded that this failure to refer Miss Rignall for assessment resulted in the only window of opportunity available to treat her, being lost. This makes me concerned as to AMU's Fitness for Purpose at the current time. I consider this to be serious. ”

    Source location

    LINDA ANNE RIGNALL · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report
  6. Coventry

    AI-generated summary

    Mary WALDRON · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Mary Waldron became unwell at St Mary's Nursing Home on 24 August 2013 and was transferred to University Hospital, Coventry, where she died after suffering a cardiac arrest during the transfer. Concerns included failures to recognise and appropriately respond to her acute illness and low blood pressure, inadequate ongoing staff training, shortcomings in the nursing home's investigation and reporting, uncertainty about the CQC investigation, and potential confusion between ambulance drivers and paramedics about transfer times.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure of nursing home staff to recognise acutely unwell residents

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) failure of the nursing home staff to recognise an acutely unwell resident; ”

    Source location

    Mary WALDRON · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report
  7. Cardiff & the Vale of Glamorgan

    AI-generated summary

    Sandra Wordingham · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Sandra Wordingham, a resident of Springbank nursing home, was found unconscious after a suspected epileptic fit on 22 July 2013 and remained unconscious overnight before being taken to hospital. She died in hospital on 26 July 2013; the medical cause of death was recorded as intracerebral haemorrhage. The principal concern was that no medical opinion was sought despite her remaining unconscious for longer than expected after an epileptic fit, creating a risk to similarly treated residents.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to seek medical opinion for prolonged unconsciousness

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) Sandra Wordingham, was put to bed in the nursing home in an unconscious state after a suspected epileptic fit. In fact she had suffered a sudden primary intracerebral haemorrhage. No medical opinion was sought even though Sandra Wordingham remained unconscious throughout the night for a longer period than would be expected after an epileptic fit. ”

    Source location

    Sandra Wordingham · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide all staff with first-aid and life-support training focused on the immediate care of unconscious residents.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Improved First Aid & Life Support Training All staff to attend training with specific training element for the immediate care of the unconscious person Persons Responsible: ████████ Operations Manager Springbank & ████████ Manager Date By: Planned for March 2014.”

    Source location

    2013-0373-Response-by-Springbank-Nursing-Home
    Page 3 · response
    Published 17 December 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Assess nurses’ competency in recognising consciousness levels, providing and documenting life support, conducting neurological observations, and following relevant guidance.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Ensuring Nursing Staff Competency Following training and instruction nurses will have an assessment of their competency to:”

    Source location

    2013-0373-Response-by-Springbank-Nursing-Home
    Page 3 · response
    Published 17 December 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Instruct staff to summon emergency services promptly for unconscious residents, follow valid DNNAR instructions, and use a protocol available to all staff.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Summoning Emergency Assistance”

    Source location

    2013-0373-Response-by-Springbank-Nursing-Home
    Page 4 · response
    Published 17 December 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Update residents’ risk assessments and care plans with specific information about causes of unconsciousness, including detailed epilepsy seizure types and recovery periods.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Knowledge of probable reasons and causes for residents who may become unconscious due to epilepsy (and other illnesses)”

    Source location

    2013-0373-Response-by-Springbank-Nursing-Home
    Page 4 · response
    Published 17 December 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide the unconscious-person management protocol to occasional staff through agency induction materials.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Providing & Sharing Information about the management of unconscious people with Bank and Agency Nurses working occasional shifts”

    Source location

    2013-0373-Response-by-Springbank-Nursing-Home
    Page 4 · response
    Published 17 December 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Inform nurse agencies and provide their head offices with the unconscious-person management protocol.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Providing & Sharing Information about the management of unconscious people with Bank and Agency Nurses working occasional shifts”

    Source location

    2013-0373-Response-by-Springbank-Nursing-Home
    Page 4 · response
    Published 17 December 2013

    Open published response
  8. Leicester City and South Leicestershire

    AI-generated summary

    Labuben Amarsi Vaghadia · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Mrs Vaghadia developed bleeding after receiving an anticoagulant injection for suspected deep vein thrombosis and died in hospital on 27 August 2012 from haemorrhage and haematoma of the abdominal wall. Concerns included the community nurse administering a further anticoagulant injection without seeking medical advice despite knowing about the bleeding, failing to share that information with other healthcare professionals, and lacking training, experience, and insight into the potential risks of her actions.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to seek medical advice before administering anticoagulants despite known bleeding

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) Community Nurse ████████ administered the anticoagulant on the 26th August 2012 without seeking medical advice from a Doctor even though she knew Mrs Vaghadia had been bleeding from the site of the previous injection. Although the expert evidence in this case is that the nurse’s actions did not cause or contribute to the death in this instance, there is a risk that such action in another case may not have the same outcome and could be causative of death. ”

    Source location

    Labuben Amarsi Vaghadia · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Re-inform CHS healthcare professionals about medicines-management standards, communication responsibilities, relevant case learning, and the community medicines SOP through email cascades, briefings, meetings, and SOP reissue.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “It is accepted fully that part of a health professional's responsibility to communicate all relevant information to other clinicians and organisations on the specific details of a patient's condition. The CHS Division will now re-inform all health care professionals about their professional responsibility regarding this issue via a system of email cascade. Specifically the message for compliance with NMC Standards for Medicines Management will be given. Ensuring the message is conveyed will be achieved by cascading the information via their communications lead using direct emails to staff, the inclusion of key learning points of the case within the monthly briefing paper, and dissemination through the professional nurses monthly meeting by the lead nurses for physical and mental health.”

    Source location

    2013-0201-Response-by-Leicestershire-Partnership-NHS
    Page 2 · response
    Published 5 September 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Provide medicines-management and emotional-resilience training, monthly clinical supervision for six months, and reflective-practice assessment to strengthen the nurse’s clinical decision-making.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “As a result of this process Nurse ████████ is judged to be competent in all areas of clinical practice assessed. However in response to the concerns raised a programme of training has now been arranged for Nurse ████████ which includes medicines management training and emotional resilience training. In addition she will participate in additional clinical supervision on a monthly basis for six months and undertake a reflective practice assessment, the sum of which is to strengthen her clinical decision making skills.”

    Source location

    2013-0201-Response-by-Leicestershire-Partnership-NHS
    Page 3 · response
    Published 5 September 2013

    Open published response
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Data last updated 7 September 2026