Safety crackdown after scalding cases

SAFETY officials yesterday warned health employers that they face prosecution if they risk vulnerable patients in hot baths, after a series of deaths and injuries from scalding.

The Health and Safety Executive crackdown follows a pounds 50,000 fine against Parkside Health Trust, in Middlesex, at Harrow Crown Court last month. The trust pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the safety of Daisy Mills, 83, a disabled woman who drowned in a hot bath at Wembley Community Hospital in January, 1993.

More than 20 scalding deaths and many more injuries have been recorded by the HSE since 1986. Mike Cosman, head of the HSE's Health Services National Interest Group, said: 'HSE inspectors will not hesitate to get tough on the risk of scalding and, where necessary, will bring the issue to the attention of the courts.'