Vulnerable Scots resident ‘choked’ after support worker ‘left them alone to eat’

A vulnerable resident in supported accommodation in Scotland reportedly experienced a choking incident after a care worker allegedly left them unsupervised during mealtime. Huong Vo Thanh Dang, who worked as a social care worker at Leonard Cheshire Disability in Edinburgh, received an 18-month warning on their record following a series of actions taken while on duty. The Scottish Social Services Council reviewed Dang’s conduct after incidents around June 11, 2023, and deemed the behaviour as “serious” for breaching essential guidelines.

According to the review, the care worker allowed the resident to eat a ham salad roll without supervision, contrary to the care plans in place, leading to the choking incident. Despite the severity of the situation, the SSSC chose not to remove Dang from the register but issued an official warning. The review highlighted concerns regarding the carer’s attitude, judgement, and reflection post-incident, emphasising the need for maintaining high standards of care for vulnerable individuals.

In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Leonard Cheshire stated that the safety and wellbeing of their service users are a top priority. The care worker involved was dismissed in July 2023 after working for seven months and was suspended immediately following the incident. The local authorities and care inspectorate were promptly informed, and the organization affirmed they would take robust actions to ensure the safety of those under their care.

The case serves as a reminder of the critical responsibility that care workers hold when attending to vulnerable individuals and the importance of adhering to care plans and safety guidelines to prevent such incidents from occurring.

Summary:
The incident involving the vulnerable resident in Scotland underscores the essential role of care workers in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals under their care. The consequences of neglecting supervision during mealtime can have severe implications, as seen in this case. It is crucial for care providers to diligently follow care plans and guidelines to prevent harm and maintain trust in the social service workforce. This incident highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and adherence to protocols in the care sector to safeguard vulnerable individuals effectively.