HC-One controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile10 entries
2023
The Elms care failures
HC-One apologised over mistakes affecting three people who died after living at The Elms in Whittlesey. The home was later closed amid reported shortcomings in care and record keeping.
2023
Cambridgeshire police allegations
A BBC investigation reported 46 police-recorded allegations over four years involving five HC-One homes in Cambridgeshire, including allegations of neglect, rape and assaults by staff.
2022
Orchard Care Home choking death
HC-One was fined £640,000 after a resident assessed as requiring modified food died after choking on a jam doughnut. The investigation found shortcomings in staff training and awareness of dietary requirements.
2022
Dementia resident found in cupboard
A dementia resident was found stuck in a cupboard after being missing for more than two hours. HC-One apologised and acknowledged that the resident’s family should have been informed sooner; a fine was imposed.
2022
HC-One fined after resident’s fatal choking incident
Fine or penalty
HC-One Limited pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety laws and was fined £640,000 after a resident at Orchard Care Home choked to death. The HSE investigation found that staff had not been properly trained and had provided food unsuitable for the resident’s diet.
Company response
Apology — HC-One
First and foremost, we offer our heartfelt condolences and apologies to Mrs Hughes’ family and loved ones.
Remediation — HC-One
Additional safeguards are now in place across all our homes to prevent a repeat of an accident like this, and colleagues now complete additional and specific training focused on supporting residents who have modified diets.
Source excerpt
HC-One Limited of Southgate House, Archer Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety laws and were fined £640.000.
First and foremost, we offer our heartfelt condolences and apologies to Mrs Hughes’ family and loved ones.
An investigation by the HSE found that staff who gave out snacks at Orchard Care Home had not been properly trained and did not have awareness of food that was suitable for each diet.
2021
Panorama financial investigation
BBC Panorama examined HC-One’s private-equity ownership, borrowing, dividends, fees and receipt of pandemic support, prompting criticism from former health secretary Jeremy Hunt.
2020
Home Farm COVID-19 outbreak
A severe COVID-19 outbreak at Home Farm Care Home on the Isle of Skye led to regulatory intervention, reported resident deaths and allegations concerning infection control, oxygen provision, nutrition and basic personal care.
2019
Lomond Court resident death
HC-One received a £270,000 fine after a resident at Lomond Court Care Home in Fife died after eating a chlorine cleaning tablet.
2016
Breightmet home restricted after care concerns
Four Seasons Care Home in Breightmet was restricted from accepting new residents after concerns about medicines administration, leadership and management. HC-One attributed some staffing pressure to reliance on temporary agency nurses.
2016
Elmwood Nursing Home heater injury
HC-One was fined £45,000 after a resident at Elmwood Nursing Home in Croydon suffered burns from a portable heater.