CALGARY – The fatality inquiry into the death of David Holmes continued Wednesday with the former senior director of the facility taking the stand.
Joanne Hart Sweazey talked about changes that have been made since Holmes’ death in November of 2011.
Holmes died after being scaled by bath water at Supported Lifestyles care home in Calgary.
The 35-year-old was disabled by seizures at a young age, was nonverbal and communicated by smiling and making gestures.
His caregiver testified that she noticed skin peeling off Holmes’ buttocks and foot after giving him a bath. She says she then called her supervisor and another caregiver drove Holmes to a hospital. Holmes died five weeks later.
Since then, 66 of 68 homes have been fitted with anti-scalding devices. Approval from a guardian or doctor is required at the homes that are unequipped with the devices and patients are independent enough to bathe themselves.
The temperature of the water is also checked and recorded every morning, and must be between 41 and 43 °C.
Emergency procedures have also been changed: workers must now call 911 in case of an injury incident.
Since Holmes death, workers have not received any upgraded medical training but all staff have first aid certificates.
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