East Sussex Care Provider Fined Nearly £27,000 After Resident Seriously Injured

An East Sussex care home provider has been ordered to pay almost £27,000 after failing to keep a resident safe.

Following a prosecution by the Care Quality Commission, Crest House Care Limited appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday (16 February), where it pleaded guilty to failing to provide safe care and treatment.

The court fined the company £10,000, alongside a £2,000 victim surcharge and £14,764.47 in costs – bringing the total to £26,764.47.

The case relates to an incident in July 2022, when a resident fell from a first-floor window that did not have legally required safety restrictors fitted.

The resident suffered multiple fractures and a scalp haemorrhage, required several operations, and now lives with ongoing mobility problems.

The CQC said the provider failed to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of falls, which resulted in avoidable and life-changing harm.

Amy Jupp, Deputy Director of Operations for the CQC in East Sussex, said care homes must properly assess risks and protect vulnerable residents, adding that action will be taken when providers fall short.

The regulator has also urged all care providers to check window safety measures to prevent similar incidents.

Any fines issued by the court go directly to HM Treasury.