Family complains after woman dies

A family has complained after a 75-year-old woman died at a sheltered housing complex but the owners claim all guidelines were followed.

A warden at Henry Smith House in Daventry checked the woman's flat after an alert by neighbours but did not see Marion Gerrie's body in a bedroom.

The warden had tried to contact the woman by intercom but after raising no response concluded she was out.

Rooms are fitted with lifeline cords to summon help in an emergency.

Later that day, Mrs Gerrie's daughter-in-law found her body on the floor at the side of the bed.

Reduced level of care

It was later confirmed she died of natural causes but staff at the Daventry District Council-owned home, which has a warden service, have been criticised by the family.

Lawrence Gerrie said the family could not understand why the warden did not see Mrs Gerrie's body.

They also believe the council has introduced a temporary warden service with a reduced level of care and claim the lifeline system was switched off.

The council denies this.

Judy Gregory, director of community services, said: "We appreciate that the family is naturally very upset and sympathise with their sad loss.

"We have discussed the situation and the events with the family and have given them the opportunity to raise any concerns with us, so that we could address them."

She added that residents in the sheltered accommodation are encouraged to live independent lives with wardens given a monitoring role.

The warden had followed guidelines. She used an intercom linked to the flat to make contact and when she got no response she went into the flat.

"Another person should have gone with her but no-one was available. She checked the lifeline which was working but did not see Mrs Gerrie.

"The level of care has not changed since our last review but we are now reviewing procedures to avoid this type of incident happening again."