AN ELDERLY man has died after a fire broke out in the grounds of a ‘failing’ care home that was already under investigation by a health watchdog. 

The 90-year-old was initially treated by firefighters at the scene of the blaze at Heathercroft Care Home in Woolston on Monday at 6.10pm.

He was taken to Whiston Hospital in a critical condition but later died from his injuries.

Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the fire in the smoking shelter outside the care home on Longbarn Lane.

Following the incident the grandson of one of the residents, who has asked to remain anonymous, contacted the Warrington Guardian to vent their frustration over the lack of communication from the care home about the fatal blaze.

He said: “It’s appalling that they haven’t contacted the next of kin [of the residents] to say ‘don’t worry, there has been an accident but your grandmother hasn’t been involved’. I just can’t believe that we had to read about it online. 

“I’m not surprised because of the things we have seen. My grandma had a nasty fall and the equipment didn’t work like it was supposed to. 

“She was left on the floor unconscious until the next morning at 8am.

“There isn’t enough staff and they are having to use bank staff who don’t know what they are doing. 

“This is the final straw. It is an absolute shambles.”

The Warrington Guardian has previously reported how the care home had been rated as inadequate and placed into special measures by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which inspected the premises in January.

A month prior to this, great-grandmother Monica Holt was attacked twice within the space of half an hour by a male resident as she slept in her bed.

Ms Holt, a former nurse, suffered severe bruising and swelling to her face and body following the attack.

The CQC carried out an unannounced inspection at the care home following the assault in order to review its safety and leadership.

The inspection into the Longbarn Lane care home, which had 73 people living across its three units at the time of the inspection, found five breaches of healthcare regulations.

A spokesman for Ashberry Healthcare, the company in charge of Heathercroft Care Home, said: “We are very saddened by the tragic accident that happened in the grounds of our nursing home on Monday evening which involved one of our residents.

“This matter is being investigated and while we are waiting the outcome of those enquiries we are unable to give any further information.”
Warrington Borough Council has confirmed it is in contact with partner agencies who are investigating the circumstances of the fire at the care home.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner. 

A CQC spokesperson said: “We are aware of the tragic incident at Heathercroft Care Home, in which a resident sadly lost their life. 

“We would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the resident during this difficult time.”

“The home is currently in special measures and has recently been revisited by our inspectors. A report will be published in due course.”