A Bristol nursing home has apologised after failing to preserve a dying resident’s dignity.

Methodist Homes’ (MHA) issued the apology after the incident at Hartcliffe Nursing Home.

An ombudsman investigation found the home failed to close the resident’s door when his condition worsened on February 2023 allowing another resident “to watch events unfold”.

The same resident was then able to access the dying man’s room when he was transferred to hospital and take his personal belongings, including his mobile.

He then called the dying man’s daughter on the mobile while she was providing end-of-life care for her father.

The watchdog said the events had caused “significant distress to the family, and they are not able to grieve”.

MHA chief operating officer Dan Ryan said: “We would like to take the opportunity to sincerely apologise to the family of Mr Y for the distress the incident caused and extend our sympathies for their loss.

“Sadly, on this occasion, our usual high standards of care were not met.”

A spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: “The council acknowledges and accepts the findings of the ombudsman’s investigation. Immediate changes were introduced to avoid a repeat of the distress caused in this case.

“We expect all care providers who we commission to work to the highest possible standards, as set out by the Care Quality Commission, and work with providers to improve practice where any issues are raised.”