The shocking number is just the preliminary finding of a review created as a result of a series of suicides. “Unacceptable examples of apathetic care” Last year, the NHS North Essex Partnership Trust was fined 1,5 1.5 million for security breaches over the deaths of 11 patients, but those findings point to a much bigger problem. At this point, Dr. Geraldine Strathdee, president of the Independent Mental Health Research Essex, could not confirm the cause of death, but said she had heard “unacceptable examples of apathetic care”. Image: Robert and Linda Wade lost their son Richard in May 2015 Robert and Linda Wade lost their son Richard in May 2015 when he went to the Linden Center in Chelmsford after suffering from depression. “They did not care” Mr Wade told Sky News: “To put it bluntly – he came in shortly after midnight, he was dead by noon. “He was there for less than 12 hours before the injuries he caused himself by hanging himself in a bathroom, where someone had been hanged three months ago. “If you then go through all the statements and all the discussions about what happened, we come to something very simple – they did not care.” Richard, 30, was deemed “low risk.” An investigating court later found that the state had failed to protect him. Image: Dr. Geraldine Strathdee is chair of the independent Essex Mental Health Research Dr Strathdee said the lessons learned from her critique would be applied across the country. What will the research focus on? He told Sky News: “The ministers have asked us to focus on the deaths of people in hospital services in the Essex area between January 2000 and September 1, 2020. “The information provided relates to 1,500 deaths that occurred during that period, which were either inpatients or in the first three months after discharge. “Our research is to better understand the causes of these deaths – who the people are and what we learn from these deaths.” The tragic story of Richard Wade is only part of this research. So far 14 families, including Wades, have shared their experiences, but it is clear that there are many more out there and the committee wants more people to show up. Three recurring themes Richard’s mother, Linda, said: “We can not bring Richard back – but he was a young man who came to the center for safety – and there was no security. “Leaving him with razors, laces – everything – he committed suicide. Why did they do that?” Image: Richard’s mother, Linda, said there was “no security” for him The research has so far found three recurring themes. • Lack of basic information provided to patients and families • Concerns about physical and mental and sexual safety in the wards • Significant difference in the quality of care, both in staff attitudes and the use of effective treatments However, some mourning families believe that the investigation does not have the power to make significant changes and have chosen to boycott it. Some are boycotting the investigation For eight years, Melanie Leahy spearheaded the campaign of 70 families to receive a full public inquiry with the power to force witnesses to testify. Matthew’s son, 20, was found hanged in his room at the Linden Center in November 2012. It later emerged that staff had “falsified” his care plan after his death. Image: Robert Wade said Richard’s son went to a mental health center shortly after midnight and died at noon Ms Leahy told Sky News: “It is shocking to hear about this death toll. “This number of 1,500 makes it clear that there is a killing among the most vulnerable. “What we are asking for is a legislative public inquiry and to expand it to include deaths in the community. “Senior staff members have retired and received their pensions and we have no chance of getting them to show up without the power to force witnesses to testify.” Responding to the first findings of the survey and the comments made to Sky News by the Wade family, Paul Scott, CEO of the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, told Sky News: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Richard Wade and we send our heartfelt condolences. “We continue to support ongoing research and encourage service users, family, carers and staff to share their experiences with the investigation team so that they have a complete picture of their recommendations.” Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call the Samaritans for help at 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the USA, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
