Blackwater Mill: Isle of Wight woman shares trauma of amputee mum

Miriam, a diabetic, went in to Blackwater Mill on January 17, having been in hospital for three months, recovering from the amputation of her lower left leg in November last year.

She was only supposed to be there for 28 days, but ended up staying there until October 5 — the day she was rushed into A&E after being taken seriously ill.

Miriam, of Freshwater, had been suffering with dehydration, malnutrition, kidney and liver problems and pneumonia.

Seriously ill Miriam Souter, 88, hugs her daughter, Linda, in a lighter moment this year. (Image: Linda Souter) Thankfully, the pensioner stabilised on a hospital ward, but her daughter, Linda Souter, said "it was touch and go" whether she would survive.

"It was very traumatic for all the family. We were all very worried and distressed by her condition," said Linda. 

Two weeks ago, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published its damning findings following an inspection made at Blackwater Mill earlier this year. Click here to read.

Failings reported by the CQC has led to the home being put in special measures.

Since then, the County Press has been speaking to those affected, from relatives of residents, to former staff members, in a special investigation.

• Read more: Care home responds to criticisms and failings
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• Read more: Families speak out about care of relatives 
• Read more: Carer horrified by what she saw at care home

"She was extremely ill, yellow in the face and looked emaciated. We were worried she wouldn't make it," said Linda. 

Read more: Isle of Wight care home put residents at risk of harm says CQC

According to the Souter family, Blackwater Mill failed Miriam on several counts.

They are seeking answers from its parent company, Buckland Care, and the Isle of Wight Council's adult care services, as to how Miriam ended up fighting for her life and deteriorating to the extent she did.

Blackwater Mill Residential Home, near Newport. (Image: County Press) "We have very real concerns about their care for her. I wouldn't want her to go there again. I would never recommend that place to anybody," said Linda.

"When she moved into Blackwater Mill, it was initially supposed to be a 28-day placement, but they then suggested she had dementia, which was undiagnosed, it is why she was kept there for longer."

Adult social care assessed Miriam as being fit to return home — and she desperately wanted to — subject to having a special bed, hoists and other equipment and adaptations made to her West Wight property.

None of it materialised and Miriam remained at Blackwater Mill, which Linda described as "a bit of a nightmare".

"Over the past four months, we noticed mum was getting thinner and gaunt, over time. We visited her two or three times a month and noticed the gradual change.

"I never saw many staff there and I wasn't happy with the quality of care generally. Mum was not getting enough proper, personal attention."

There was an issue with Miriam's bed, for example.

"On a visit, we found her bed at floor level, with no safety bars up and mattresses next to it. It made it very difficult for her to manoeuvre out of it, having only one leg.

"When we raised the issue, they then raised her bed, but still without the safety bars. 

"Before that, to give her a hug, we had to kneel on the floor. It was distressing to see her down on the floor. I couldn't understand what the heck was going on."

Miriam was also isolated from most residents — "left to stay in her room" with little opportunity for any social interaction with fellow residents, the family claim. 

"When she was in the dining room, we saw residents wandering around aimlessly."

It was not just the residents who had problems. It was visitors too.

"There was one occasion when we came for a visit and we couldn't get in. Three ladies staying there were at the door, trying to bash it in, and force their way out. 

"One was banging on the door with a stick, and another with a frame. There was a member of staff trying in vain to control the situation.

"It was distressing for us to see and eventually we abandoned the visit, as we weren't getting anywhere."

In all, Blackwater Mill has left Miriam much worse off than when she went in — and her family traumatised, said Linda.

"Seeing my mother go downhill has been very distressing and deeply upsetting. Seeing what I've seen there, I wouldn't wish that place on anybody."