The tragic death of a disabled man who choked on his own incontinence pad after being left alone in the care home where he lived amounted to gross negligence and a breach of human rights, his family's counsel said.
Matthew Dale, who had severe learning difficulties and autism, was found dead in the dining area of Vancouver House on Vancouver Road, Netherley, at around 11.50pm on December 27 2020.
He had been living at the home for nine years and received one-to-one care between 8am and 8pm each day, funded by Warrington Council from 2011 until September 2018, and then by Liverpool CCG when the authority took over his care. It was understood by the commissioners the care was to be given on top of what was already provided by Vancouver House staff - but home managers said they believed this was the only care they were supposed to give the vulnerable 43-year-old.
