Radis Homecare has apologised after a vulnerable woman in Portsmouth was given food meant for a visiting family dog. The incident, which occurred during the final months of the woman's life, was investigated by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, which determined the woman suffered "significant personal injustice."
Care Failings
The woman, who has not been named, was served dog food by care workers contracted to provide home care for Portsmouth City Council. She also experienced force-feeding and, on occasions, received no food whatsoever. Additionally, she was left unattended for "prolonged periods of time."
A 'Do Not Attempt Resuscitation' (DNAR) document was discovered "scrunched up in a cupboard." Both Radis and Portsmouth City Council have apologised for the failings.
Provider's Response
Radis stated it is "deeply sorry" for the distress caused. A spokesperson explained that a support worker "mistakenly" served a "vacuum-packed meal that was intended for a visiting family dog." The product was labelled as dog food and stored in the woman's freezer, but its packaging resembled a human ready meal. Once heated, it also had the appearance of human food.
The spokesperson acknowledged that the meal "should have been checked and identified correctly" and that the "packaging may provide some context as to how the mistake occurred, but it does not excuse it." They added: "We fully acknowledge how shocking and distressing this was, and we do not seek to minimise or excuse what happened."
Staff Consequences and Changes
The support worker who prepared the meal is no longer employed by Radis, and a second staff member faced disciplinary proceedings. Radis said it has implemented "significant steps" following the incident, including strengthened care planning, guidance on nutrition and hydration, medication oversight, record keeping, handling of DNAR documentation, staff supervision, and safeguarding escalation.
The company also enhanced safeguarding training for managers and team leaders, strengthened audit and quality-assurance arrangements, reviewed safeguarding and whistleblowing processes, and developed digital care-planning systems. Radis confirmed it gave notice on the Portsmouth contract and voluntarily withdrew from providing services on 1 December 2025.
"We remain committed to upholding our values of professionalism, teamwork, integrity, innovation and excellence," Radis said.
