HSE to prosecute hospital after young man drowns in bath
- 11.05.2017
- EmmaArnold
- Clinical-negligence, Clinical-negligence
Almost 18 months after the much publicised report into unexpected deaths at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, it has recently been reported that the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) is going to prosecute the organisation in relation to the failings identified following the death of Connor Sparrowhawk in July 2013.
Connor was 18 years old at the time of his death. Connor was epileptic, autistic and had learning disabilities, his behaviour had become increasingly difficult for his parents to manage and they sought professional help and support for him which resulted in his admission to Slade House, a supposed specialist unit.
During the Inquest into his death, Connor’s parents reported concerns they had about the unit within a few days, including that the team meant to be supporting Connor had missed the fact that he had had a seizure.
owever, they never could have anticipated that Connor would have died after suffering a seizure whilst in the bath.
The Inquest, which was held later in 2013, found that serious failings and neglect had contributed to Connor’s death. Just a few months later, a report into deaths at Southern Health was published which published the terrible findings we have previously posted.
Southern Health admitted to Connor’s family that they were at fault but it is only now that the HSE is launching their prosecution.
Hannah Bottomley, clinical negligence solicitor at PotterReesDolan, said:
I find it surprising that the HSE has decided to prosecute almost four years following Connor’s death but I am sure this is down, in no small part, to Connor’s family actively campaigning to get justice for him.
HSE investigations into deaths in hospital care are rare; the last major investigation and prosecution of this type coming as part of the Mid Staffordshire Hospital scandal. However, I find it refreshing that these deaths are being taken seriously and those responsible will now find themselves accountable for their actions, something I am sure all our clients who have suffered loss or injury as a result of hospital failings would welcome.
A page was set up by Connor's friends and family asking for #JusticeforLB which explains what happened to Connor and why they call him Laughing Boy.
Hannah Bottomley is a clinical negligence solicitor with PotterReesDolan with a particular interest in representing the interests of families of patients who have died as a result of hospital errors. Should you have any queries about the issues raised in this article and wish to speak with Hannah or any other member of the clinical negligence team please contact us on 0161 237 5888 or email Hannah.