1. How has a duty of care been breached? Explain your answer.
2. What are the possible consequences for Lynette for breaching duty of care?
3. What risks should Lynnette have identified?
4. What resources can be used to find a lawyer or other accredited specialist suitable for your legal issue and/or location?
5. 
   

Lynette is a new coordinator at a high-care residential facility. She has just completed a Diploma of Community Services and is looking forward to her new career. When handover is complete, Lynette commences her duties. She is keen to impress her co-workers; although she is feeling a bit unsure of some of the tasks she has been allocated. Lynette's first task this morning is to assist a resident, Margaret, a small, frail lady whose care plan states that she is to be showered and returned to bed.

 

For transfer to the bathroom, the care plan states 'Lifting machine x2'. Lynette decides that rather than bother another worker and appear inexperienced, she will tackle this job on her own. She is not sure how to use the lifting machine but because Margaret is very small and light, Lynette decides to lift Margaret onto a shower chair herself and proceeds to shower her.

 

Margaret seems very uncomfortable throughout the procedure and upon returning to bed Lynette notices a large skin tear on the back of Margaret's leg.

 

1.