Devon Care Home Fined £200,000 After Boating Tragedy Claims Lives

UPDATE: A Devon care home has been ordered to pay over £200,000 after a tragic boating accident in June 2022 claimed the lives of two residents. The ruling came from Exeter Magistrates’ Court yesterday, October 23, 2023, as Burdon Grange Care Home Limited pled guilty to serious safety violations.

The court revealed that residents Alison Tilsley, aged 63, and Alex Wood, aged 43, died when a specially designed wheelchair-accessible boat capsized at Roadford Lake. A third resident, Kate Dart, sustained injuries during the incident. The court imposed a fine of £180,000, along with a £190 victim surcharge and £20,000 in costs.

On the fateful day of the accident, staff from Burdon Grange took six wheelchair users on an outing to Roadford Lake Activity Centre. They hired a ‘Wheelyboat’ but failed to adequately assess the risks involved. The vessel, which was meant to be safe for wheelchair users, took on water and capsized, leading to the tragic deaths.

Magistrates highlighted the provider’s failure to implement necessary safety measures, including planning for emergencies should service users enter the water. Alarmingly, one staff member present was unable to swim, raising serious concerns about the adequacy of care provided.

Catherine Campbell, deputy director of operations for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in Devon, expressed outrage over the incident, stating:

“Tragically, this did not happen for Alison Tilsley, Alex Wood and Kate Dart at Roadford Lake. The failure of the provider, management and staff to identify and address clear dangers was unacceptable.”

In a response following the court verdict, Burdon Grange Care Home Ltd acknowledged its guilt, emphasizing the devastating impact on the families of the deceased. “We recognize the pain and distress this boating tragedy has caused the families, relatives, and friends of Alex and Ali,” the statement read. “Our priority now is to move forward and consistently deliver the high-quality care and support our residents and their families rightfully expect.”

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) conducted an investigation after the incident, revealing that the Wheelyboat had not been properly maintained. Water ingress and degraded seals contributed to the vessel capsizing. The MAIB’s report recommended urgent updates to maintenance practices and greater training for staff on disability awareness.

This tragic event underscores the critical importance of safety in care environments, especially for vulnerable individuals. The outcomes of this case serve as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that care providers must uphold to safeguard their residents.

As the community mourns the loss of Alison Tilsley and Alex Wood, the focus now shifts to ensuring that such preventable tragedies do not happen again. Authorities and families alike will be watching closely for any changes in policy and practice at Burdon Grange Care Home and similar facilities moving forward.