A CARE home in the North-East has paid compensation to a family who claimed medical negligence contributed to the death of a loved one.

John Blenkiron’s relatives said his health deteriorated during a short stay at Lindisfarne Care Home in Chester-le-Street.

The company denied the care Mr Blenkiron received hastened his death, but lawyers at Irwin Michell secured an undisclosed settlement ahead of a trial.

Mr Blenkiron, who suffered with dementia and Parkinson’s disease, was due to stay at the home, operated by Gainford Care Homes, for two weeks in March 2011.

But his sons, John and Jason, and his wife, Kathleen, 66, removed him early as they believed he was not receiving the standard of care they expected.

When he returned to his home John Blenkiron noticed his father was suffering from pressure sores on his back and heels and his health was deteriorating.

The next morning he was rushed to the University Hospital of North Durham when he became unresponsive.

Mr Blenkiron Snr spent nearly five weeks in hospital but never regained his mobility. He died at home aged 63 in May 2011.

John Blenkiron Jnr 45, from Stanley, said: “I think it is important that what happened to my dad doesn’t happen to anyone else and that other families don’t have to go through what we have in the last four years.”

A spokesman for Gainford Care Homes said: “This case was settled pursuant to a Part 36 Offer put forward on the claimant's behalf by her solicitors which effects a full and final settlement of all causes of action in this case, and was agreed by Gainford Care Homes Limited as a commercial decision in order to avoid the expense of the trial.”