Investigation and inquest
On 4th and 5th September 2014 commenced an investigation into the death of JAMES DWAYNE CLARKE. The medical cause of death was recorded as “Asphyxia compounding severe old head injuries” and the conclusion was “Neglect Compounding Accidental Injuries”.
Circumstances of the death
On 15th March 2014 Mr. Clarke was riding a motorcycle unsuitable for the road on 15th March 2009. He collided with the rear of another motor cycle, fell off and collided with a car. He was not wearing a crash helmet. He became paraplegic and had a tracheotomy tube. He was discharged home eventually. Carers were employed at home to care for him, particularly at night. Two carers employed at night did not notice that his tracheotomy tube had become blocked resulting in death.
Coroner’s concerns
My concerns are that two carers having been employed, the expectation was that one would be with James constantly. The written instructions from the care home said “Call is to check James throughout the night and carry out tracheotomy care/suction if necessary”. Whilst there was no further explanation of what “throughout the night” meant, the evidence I had was that the carers sat in a room on the other side of the corridor to James’ bedroom, they were watching television and playing computer games and talking, they did not check him between 1.a.m and 4.a.m. and again did not check him between 4.10 a.m and 6.a.m. and only then because his peg feed alarm sounded. He was found dead at that stage. The carers had had theoretical training, but no practical training had been given to them by the care company who employed them. Their employers were Complete Care Services, which is the trading name of C.C.S. Central Limited of West Midlands House, Gypsy Lane, Willenhall, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV13 2HA and I was told that the company are registered with the Care Quality Commission. I was concerned that the standard of care provided for James was seriously lacking and that if that standard of care was reflected in the care given to others, to whom C.C.S. provided services, then there may be a risk to other members of the public.