AN investigation has been launched into a Chadwell St Mary care home after issues about the standard of care provided.

Thurrock Council said it was examining issues related to Bennetts Lodge Care Home after concerns were raised regarding the care of a female resident, who has since died.

The resident’s daughter Shirley Broome, who works as a kidney nurse at Basildon Hospital, said she reported to staff her mother had a urine infection two weeks before her death.

But she said paramedics found Mary Lench, 94, had not been on antibiotics when they arrived two weeks later when Mrs Lench collapsed into an unresponsive state.

Mrs Broome, 53, also claims she was not contacted by staff when her mother became unresponsive.

Doctors were called in who found Mrs Lench had a urine infection, chest infection and dehydration and called an ambulance.

Mrs Lench is understood to have died four days later in hospital.

Mrs Broome said the family was “devastated” by their mother’s loss as they had been just about to bring her home for more personal care.

Mrs Broome, of Broomfields, Pitsea, who has two sisters and one brother in Pitsea, said: “I am appalled by what’s happened, appalled and shocked.

“I know everyone does make mistakes, but if you are going to work with the sick and the elderly you can’t afford to make mistakes – and this is a big mistake.

When you see a urine infection in the elderly, it’s very, very dangerous – if you stay away, you’re for it.”

“They didn’t even send flowers.

Not a card or anything.

“Words can’t describe how I feel.

“I still can’t believe it’s happened – every night I am waking up and trying to get to the hospital because I still think she’s in hospital.

“I’m literally devastated. It’s a total let down. I can’t believe my mum is not here and I’m never going to see her again. If she’d have come home with me, she’d still be here now.”

Thurrock Council said investigation was “ongoing” so it was “inappropriate to comment”

at this time.

She said: “This case concerns a resident who was placed by another local authority is subject to an ongoing investigation and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.”

Bennetts Lodge Care Home on Waterson Road was found to be ‘Good’ in its last CQC inspection in March 2014.

The home was contacted by the Gazette regarding the investigation and said they had been visited by the council but declined to comment.