A nursing home resident and amputee has died from shocking burns after catching alight in a wheelchair.
The great-grandfather’s family claims it took hours before he was taken to hospital, even though it was only across the road.
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Michael John Nagle, 72, was allegedly left alone at the RSL LifeCare in Condoblin, NSW, to smoke a cigarette, but he suffered critical burns and died six days later.
It is claimed he was not given a smoking apron to wear while smoking in a smoking area at the home.
It’s not clear how long he was left unattended, but it was enough time for him to suffer horrific burn injuries.
When he was eventually noticed, staff hosed him down before rolling him on the grass.
Michael John Nagle has died from shocking burns after catching alight in a wheelchair. Credit: 7NEWS
The nursing home is located across the road from a hospital, but it is claimed he did not get there for several hours.
7NEWS also understands an ambulance was never called and that it took an hour for the care home to contact Nagle’s family about the incident.
A family member claims they were told by staff “you take him” to hospital.
The nursing home is located across the road from a hospital. Credit: 7NEWS
It is claimed Nagle was not given a smoking apron. Credit: 7NEWS
Opposition health spokesperson Matt Kean said it was “very distressing”.
“My thoughts are with the family. What’s needed is a thorough investigation to get to the bottom of what’s happened,” Kean said.
No charges have been laid, and the incident is being investigated by the coroner.
It has also been referred to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Nagle’s funeral will be held this Friday.
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