The daughter of a York care home resident has said she will pursue legal action following an inquest into the death of her mother from a diabetic-related condition.
Catherine Staniforth told the York Press she will pursue a civil claim against Amarna House Care Home, part of Avery Healthcare, following an inquest into the death of her mother, Kay Sainsbury.
Mrs Sainsbury had been a resident for three weeks at Amarna House before she was taken to intensive care at York Hospital on 4 July 2020. She died in hospital four days later.
The 79 year-old had high blood sugar levels and was suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition caused by a lack of insulin.
The inquest heard that Mrs Staniforth had long-term diabetes but had never before suffered from DKA.
A care worker told the inquest there was insufficient supply of insulin when Mrs Sainsbury’s blood sugars were too high on 4 July, adding she had not given the 79 year-old her medicine because she had an empty stomach.
When asked if she was aware of company policy to seek professional medical assistance, she said she had acted according to her training.
The home’s manager told the inquest that staff were fully trained in how to deal with residents with diabetes and had sought assurances she would receive support from a health service diabetic team before accepting Mrs Sainsbury.
She said staff had taken on administering insulin due to pandemic restrictions on people coming into the home.
The coroner recorded a finding of death by natural causes, including DKA.
A spokesperson for Amarna House said: “The Amarna House Care Home team continues to provide the very best care and support to the elderly residents that reside with them. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the late Mrs Sainsbury at this time.”
