York care home faces court over woman, 91, who died of hypothermia

Annie Doreen Barritt, 91, died after being rushed to hospital when she was found with a high 25.3C temperature.

An inquest into Mrs Barritt’s death led to Maria Mallaband Care Group Limited being summoned to court over “a breach of care”, contrary to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The hearing was told Mrs Barritt had been found unwell in her room at Oaklands Country Rest Home, near York, on November 4, 2012.

She had been admitted to the home in July 2012 because she was finding it increasingly difficult to cope due to advancing dementia.

But only months later she was taken to Harrogate Hospital after being found unwell in her room with a high temperature.

After a visit to the A&E department, Mrs Barritt later died in hospital.

Following an investigation into her death Maria Mallaband Care Group were later charged with breaching care conditions.

Maria Mallaband Care Group declined to comment on the prosecution - but wanted to express its “deepest sympathies” to Mrs Barritt’s family.

A spokesperson for Harrogate Borough Council said the first court date is set for Friday, June 17 at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court.

Mrs Barritt’s family declined to comment on the outcome of the inquest.

An inspection by the Care Quality Commission in February rated the care home as “good”.