Care home boss jailed after 'wilful neglect' killed Alzheimer's patient

The family of Peter Giles, 56, found him lying in soiled clothing, sweating and unconscious. At other times he was left severely dehydrated.

Relatives said that during a period of just ten days at the Abbeycroft Care Home in Blackpool, the former soldier lost two stone.

Weeks later he died of pneumonia and septicaemia.

Boss: Kathleen Vitturini at court before being jailed for neglect of an Alzheimer's patient

Yesterday Kathleen Vitturini, 62, was jailed for six months after she pleaded guilty to wilful neglect of the patient.

After the trial at Preston Crown Court, Mr Giles's younger brother Kenneth hit out at the appalling treatment he received at the hands of untrained staff.

He said: 'When a relative goes into a care home, you expect them to be cared for and looked after.

'Six months doesn't reflect the seriousness of the offence but this has sent a shot across the nursing home profession as a whole.'

The court heard that Mr Giles, who was awarded the Sword of Honour during his career in the forces, was admitted to the home in 2003. Suffering from both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's as well as mental health problems, he was a challenging patient who needed conscientious care.

His brother Kenneth was shocked by his rapid deterioration when he visited him in 2004 after returning from holiday.

He said: 'He had lost about two stone, his tongue was black and I did a "pinch test" on his hand which showed he was dehydrated.

'Something obviously went drastically wrong.'

However staff did not think he was in a serious state of decline.

His medical condition continued to deteriorate throughout September 2004 and he died the following month. Vitturini, of Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, was originally charged with manslaughter but this was later reduced to neglect.

The court heard that she was guilty of many breaches of regulations surrounding care homes, and untrained staff were left to make their own decisions regarding the care of patients.

Tragic: Peter Giles, with his niece, Laura Ratcliffe and her children Ellen (right) and Connor

Andrew Moran QC, prosecuting, said: 'It is an appalling story of wilful neglect in management, assessment, admission, training, supervision, care and in the maintenance of vital records.

'All played a part in Peter Giles's death.'

Mr Moran said Vitturini had been plainly aware of his deteriorating condition in the days leading up to his death but had not taken steps to ensure he received the necessary care.

The court also heard it had been wrong for social services to place him at the home as it was registered to care only for elderly residents suffering from dementia.

Patrick Field QC, defending, said Vitturini was desperately sorry and did not blame anyone but herself.

'All the sins of the system cannot be heaped on to her back,' he said. 'Nobody appears to have worked out how best to deal with the difficulties created by a unique combination of problems.' Passing sentence, Mr Justice Irwin said: 'Those who wilfully neglect, with serious consequences, should expect to go to prison. That is the message that should go out.'

Kenneth Giles said: 'Peter was a very caring and affectionate person. He was a fabulous older brother.

'I don't think Kathleen Vitturini is totally responsible. I think there are other professions who need to talk to each other and get their act together.'

Steve Pullan, Blackpool Council's executive director for adult social care, said: 'All councils will place people only in registered care homes which have met the standards laid down by the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

'Unfortunately this particular individual has not met these standards, with very tragic consequences.'

The Daily Mail's Dignity for the Elderly campaign has highlighted the wildly differing standards of care in nursing and residential homes across the country.

Last month we revealed that thousands of dementia patients are being given dangerous anti-psychotic drugs just to keep them quiet.