Ambos appalled to find disabled man unwashed, underweight, in soiled clothes

Paramedics were shocked to find a disabled man in putrid conditions in a government facility — in a case with disturbing similarities to neglect victim Annie Smith.

Ambulance paramedics called to treat a person with disabilities in a government care facility were so appalled by the conditions they found — the man was unwashed, in dirty clothes, underweight and had a dangerous pressure wound — they lodged a formal complaint.

In a case with disturbing similarities to neglect victim Annie Smith’ who was left to die in squalid conditions and isolated at her home, paramedics say the man was “left in faeces and urine (for) prolonged periods of time.”

An investigation by Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner Associate Professor Grant Davies into care provider Transition to Home (T2H) has resulted in 13 recommendations to improve care, starting with a formal apology to the man’s family.

T2H is a is step-down service for people with a disability operated by the Department of Human Services, supporting people with disabilities from hospital discharge into transitional accommodation until long-term housing is sourced.

The man referred to as Mr D was injured in a fall outside the family home on January 22, 2021, admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital the same day, transferred to a rural care facility then on May 10 was moved to the T2H facility at Hampstead.

On May 31, 2021, ambulance paramedics responding to a triple 0 emergency call by a nurse for help for the man noted “concerns about Mr D’s care including that he had an infected pressure wound, that he was wearing dirty clothing and that he had malodorous body odour.”

The formal complaint by SAAS states: “SAAS staff found patient with dirty clothing (had not been changed for a few days). Malodorous body odour and poor personal hygiene due to the negligence of carers.

“Patient’s case worker and sister report patient has been found in this state (left in faeces and urine prolonged periods of time, with a dirty moist towel over infected wound site).

“SAAS staff also found the wound care of the RN to be neglectful and subpar, nil covering or irrigation of exposure of the wound on the last visit 3 days ago and today RN had not exposed site and poorly dressed wound and only place a saline soaked combine over open wound site.....”

It also stated Mr D “appeared to be malnourished with a large pressure wound on his jaw.”

The man’s weight had fallen from 58.9kg to 57kg while at the facility and the investigation notes: “Between 10 May 2021 and 23 May 2021, there is no record of any observation or treatment to Mr D’s wounds.”

Associate Professor Grant Davies outside the Adelaide Magistrates Court. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Annie Smith.

The report notes the man is severely disabled and had refused a shower chair so was given bed baths, refused to have his beard trimmed, and although seen by a doctor on May 23 he refused to take antibiotics on occasion.

Prof Davies said he was “disappointed that the care of a consumer living with a disability is again under scrutiny,”

“The public summary clearly outlines failings in hygiene, wound care and weight monitoring and how they led to a situation that should have been avoided,” he said.

“I have made 13 recommendations in the report aimed at ensuring consumers are being adequately cared for, that all of their needs are being met, that their care plan is being

followed and to take immediate remedial action if they are not.”

Prof Davies said the recommendations are being taken seriously by the department and either have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented.

Health Minister Stephen Wade said: “This is a world of difference from the Annie Smith case” as she had suffered months of neglect as an NDIS client whereas Mr D had received daily personal care.

“He needed medical care that he was not receiving,” Mr Wade said.

Premier Steven Marshall said: “I unreservedly apologise to this patient and his family. There is no doubt we let this patient down and we apologise for that, we have fallen well short of an acceptable standard.”

Department of Human Services chief executive Lois Boswell said the Department accepted the Commissioner’s findings and is genuinely sorry that the client did not receive the level of support and care expected.

“DHS has formally apologised to the client and their family and accepts it should have been more proactive in ensuring the external NDIS nursing agency attended to provide the wound care required,” she said.

“Implementation of the Commissioner’s recommendations are already underway, including a new management structure and an onsite Team Leader who is authorised to take any action appropriate to ensure clients receive the care they need.”