HC-One has issued an apology after a paramedic was wrongly advised a resident had a ‘do not resuscitate’ order in place.

Joyce Parrott, 81, died at The Elms care home in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire in April 2020.

Ms Parrott’s daughter, Caroline Porter, told the inquest a nurse had mixed her mother up with another Joyce, the BBC reported. 

The inquest heard an ambulance had been called to the home after Ms Parrott had “abnormal” observations. The 81-year-old stopped breathing shortly before the paramedics arrived who then did not carry out CPR as they were advised she did not have a DNR in place.

The lawyer for Ms Parrott’s daughter told the inquest they had been advised that it was “highly unlikely that the outcome would have been different” had CPR been carried out, however, Ms Porter said her mother had been denied a chance.

The inquest concluded Mrs Parrott died from natural causes.

A spokesperson for The Elms said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of all our residents is our absolute priority. We are therefore deeply sorry that on this occasion, a mistake was made which led to this individual not being supported in line with their care plan when they fell critically ill.

“Since this historic incident occurred, we have made important changes to the way we communicate key information to our full time and temporary care colleagues to ensure that such a mistake is not repeated.

“We immediately strengthened our record keeping systems so that they are clearer for all colleagues to refer to quickly, improved our shift handover processes, and provided additional support and auditing framework in the home. We have also increased our levels of senior team oversight and provided all colleagues with enhanced refresher training to ensure that our stringent policies and procedures are fully embedded.

“The inquest recognised these improvements and the policies and procedures we have in place. We will continue to work hard to ensure that the highest standards of care, quality and governance are sustained so that we can provide the kindest possible care to our residents.”