Foxton, New Zealand — A young man with multiple sclerosis tragically died from choking while receiving assistance during mealtime at a care facility. This incident has prompted an investigation by health authorities, raising questions about the adequacy of his care and the safety protocols in place.
The Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) report, authored by Carolyn Cooper, was initiated after the man’s family expressed concerns about the standard of care provided at the Lonsdale Total Care Centre over the six months he resided there. Identified only as Mr. B, the man was in his late 20s and had additional challenges, including mental health issues and visual impairment, which required him to depend entirely on caregivers for daily activities.
In their complaint, Mr. B’s family highlighted a lack of bath assistance during his stay. However, Lonsdale staff reported that he preferred daily washings instead of showers, which they attempted to encourage but ultimately accommodated his wishes.
Relatives also raised concerns about Mr. B’s limited mobility, particularly regarding a standing hoist that became inoperative. The facility maintained that a standing hoist was available but was not utilized due to safety concerns related to Mr. B’s severe involuntary movements.
The choking incident occurred after the staff attempted a strategy to mitigate risks by positioning Mr. B upright during meals. Lonsdale officials noted he had previously experienced choking and expressed regret for not having pursued a specialist’s assessment to better address these risks.
The report ultimately found Lonsdale in breach of health and disability service codes, critiquing the lack of proactive measures to manage Mr. B’s choking hazards. Despite the findings, facility management acknowledged their oversight and committed to improving care practices.
Mr. B’s mother, Ms. B, shared her sorrow over the circumstances of her son’s death, stating she regretted placing him in the facility. A registered nurse providing feedback on the case indicated that, while staff were responsive to Mr. B’s needs, the absence of tailored care guidelines posed increased risks, especially for caregivers unfamiliar with his specific requirements.
In light of the incident, Lonsdale has taken steps to enhance its documentation and care evaluations. The HDC report recognized the center for responding proactively, including issuing an apology to Mr. B’s family and implementing immediate modifications to care practices.
Lonsdale’s general manager, Mark Buckley, emphasized the facility’s commitment to maintaining high-quality care for all residents. Following this tragic event, changes were made, including better planning, communication protocols, and the adoption of advanced patient management software. A clinical manager and additional management support were also brought on board to enhance resident care.
“We continue to do everything possible to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future,” Buckley stated, recognizing the profound impact this event has had on everyone connected to the facility.