Islington Council has been heavily criticised for "cruel" failings that left a severely disabled woman without essential care for over a year, according to a damning report by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. The woman, who suffers from multiple long-term health conditions, was discharged from hospital in March 2023, with urgent requests for social care support from her GP and Occupational Therapist.
However, the council's systemic delays resulted in months of inaction. By October 2023, the woman reported being housebound, unable to bathe for a year, and fearing she would be "left to die." Despite numerous safeguarding concerns, including reports from friends and the fire brigade, and a home visit in November, a formal assessment wasn't completed until December—nine months after her discharge.
The assessment confirmed she was bedridden, yet no care package was put in place. She was subsequently re-hospitalised in June 2024, having received no council care or financial assistance.
“It’s incomprehensible with the evidence available and the number of contacts the council has had, why it left a woman with significant and very obvious unmet needs without any care and support for months on end when she left hospital."
Islington Council has apologised and agreed to pay £3,000 in compensation. They have also pledged to revise procedures to prioritise urgent cases and ensure interim care for those with unmet needs.
The case has sparked outrage and calls for immediate reform of the council's social care services.
Source: Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
Self Neglect & Adult Safeguarding: Responding to Self Neglect & Hoarding
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