A HEARTBROKEN daughter of a former Stourport mayor said her father received ‘dreadful’ care at inadequately rated Astley Hall Nursing Home.

The home on Church Lane has been placed in special measures by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after an inspection earlier this year found residents were at risk of malnutrition, dehydration and choking.

The CQC report, which was published last week, said: “People who required support to eat were at risk of harm of malnutrition.

“We found that where people were losing weight, action had not been promptly taken to support them.

“For example, one person had lost 4.8kg in just over three weeks. Records showed that they frequently refused the food offered, but we saw, and we read that no alternative meals had been offered.”

Kidderminster Shuttle: Don Giles (left) in 2013 handing over the reigns of Stourport Rotary Club to David Barrett.Don Giles (left) in 2013 handing over the reigns of Stourport Rotary Club to David Barrett.

Their report also states people who needed support with drinking were at harm of dehydration and people who needed thickened drinks were at risk of choking.

Heritage Manor which runs Astley Hall said since the inspection they have already made improvements.

After hearing the news of the rating, one woman from Stourport said she feels heartbroken that something was not done sooner.

In 2016, former Stourport mayor, Don Giles, was transferred to Astley Hall from Worcestershire Royal Hospital on July 22 after having a stroke.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Don Giles fundraising in 2011.Don Giles fundraising in 2011.

His daughter Val Winters, said Don, at the time aged 86, was unable to do anything for himself and was dependent on carers.

She said: “From the minute he went to Astley Hall, I was determined to get him out.

“I was told by his social worker that he had to be assessed so he would have to stay for four weeks.

“While he was there, dad lost six kilograms in weight and the care was very poor.

“At one point his pressure relieving mattress had deflated - I noticed as Dad seemed uncomfortable.

“When I pointed it out to the home, they seemed very unconcerned.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Don Giles in 2007.Don Giles in 2007.

“We also found a pressure sore on dad’s foot and again the nurses did not seem that bothered.

“On Dad’s last day there, his lunch included a fat-free yoghurt despite all his weight loss.

“I was so relieved when he was transferred to his new care home.”

Don was moved to Herons Park Nursing Home at the end of August 2016 and subsequently died three years later.

Val said her father’s treatment ‘has stuck with her” and feels ‘heartbroken’ that others have gone through the same thing.

At the time, Astley Hall was rated ‘Good’ by the CQC.

Val added: “I reported the issues to the CQC, I listed everything and said how bad the home was after dad was, but I felt ignored.”

The CQC confirmed the inspector at the time spoke with Mrs Winters about her concerns and liaised with the local authority about Mr Giles’ care.

Heritage Manor said they were unable to comment on individual cases but previously said in response to the CQC report they were disappointed with the outcome.

“We have always prided ourselves on the high-quality care we provide and in previous inspections, CQC has always rated us as ‘good’,” a spokesperson added.