An investigation by the Local Government and Care Service Ombudsman revealed a series of errors in the care provided to an elderly woman before her passing. Referred to as Mrs Y, she received substandard care from GP Homecare Ltd, also known as Radis, in Portsmouth. The woman’s family expressed deep distress over her deteriorating condition, which left her immobile and bedridden after a fall in April 2024.
Aside from being fed microwaved dog food, reports highlighted instances where Mrs Y barely ate, received stale or inedible food, and was left unattended for extended periods, including overnight. Under the Care Act, Mrs Y, considered an older adult needing care and support, relied on Radis for in-house care commissioned by Portsmouth City Council. Concerns were raised early on by her family, leading to an investigation that uncovered instances where care workers were unaware of her specific dietary needs post-mini-stroke.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that care workers mistakenly fed Mrs Y a meal labeled as lamb, which turned out to be dog food upon inspection of the packaging. As her health declined, the family sought alternative care arrangements, but delays occurred due to her worsening condition. Allegations of a care worker force-feeding Mrs Y surfaced during this period.
Mrs Y passed away in July 2024, with the coroner attributing her death to old age frailty. The investigation exposed multiple deficiencies during her time under Radis care, including delays in initiating a crucial inquiry into her wellbeing. The Ombudsman criticized the catalogue of errors in Mrs Y’s care, emphasizing the need for improved protocols and compassion in caregiving.
In response to the report, the council considered apologizing, refunding care fees, and offering a symbolic payment to the family to acknowledge their distress. Radis Community Care ceased operations in Portsmouth at the end of 2025, citing improvements in services and procedures. Notably, the care worker involved in the dog food incident was no longer employed by Radis. Councillor Matthew Winnington acknowledged the gravity of the situation and emphasized the council’s commitment to enhancing oversight of care providers and ensuring quality care for vulnerable individuals.
