Launch of North West Cure the NHS
CURE THE NHS
Campaigning for better NHS care
www.curethenhs.co.uk
PRESS RELEASE
Date 16 June 2010
Coroner Inquest into Death of Lucy Watkin
& Launch of Cure The NHS – North West
Cure the NHS announce today their campaign to expose the failings at
Pennine Acute Trust and to ensure standards are increased. "We are
aware that what happened at Stafford is the tip of the iceberg",
commented Julie Bailey, founder of Cure the NHS, who successfully
campaigned to secure a public inquiry into the appalling state of
affairs at Mid-Staffordshire Trust.
Pennine Acute Trust, who runs Fairfield General, was 1 of 25 NHS
Trusts the government was warned earlier this year should be
investigated by leading health expert Professor Sir Brian Jarman, OBE,
from Imperial College. Professor Jarman has shown that approximately
3,107 more people died than would have been expected at those
hospitals managed by Pennine Acute Trust between 1996/7 and 2007/8.
In the case of Mid Staffordshire Trust the cumulative number of
unexpected deaths was 1,197 for the same 11 year period.
The Pennine Acute recently published data using a different method
that estimates a staggering 33% more people died than would have been
expected in 2007 in their hospitals.
The Trust uses a traffic light system to monitor performance and
safety, where green means good. Mrs F Burke, Non Executive Director at
Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, noted on 29 April 2010 that "the
Trust had moved from green to amber or red on every site following the
re-standardisation to the 2010 mortality index".
Lucy Watkin (aged 77 years) died in the early hours of 29th September
2005, after being transferred from Ramsbottom Cottage Hospital to
Fairfield General, Bury, Lancs, at approximately 10.30pm on 28th
September 2005. The local Coroner, Simon Nelson, opened an Inquest
shortly following Lucy's death and a hearing will take place at Bury
Magistrates Court, on 6th-8th July 2010.
Lucy's family are saddened and distressed by what happened to their
mother and have provided evidence to the coroner in support of their
allegations of gross failures at both Fairfield General and Ramsbottom
Cottage Hospitals in respect of her care. They urge anybody who has
suffered at any of the hospitals in Rochdale, Oldham, North
Manchester, Bury and Ramsbottom to please get in touch and share your
experiences as you are unlikely to be alone. Especially if you suspect
neglect, dehydration, sedation, infection, lack of tests,
indifference, poor nutrition, medication errors or ageism contributed
in any way to the death of your loved one.
Representing the family at the Inquest is David Black of Bower &
Bailey solicitors and Dr Michael J Powers, QC. The Coroner has been
asked to consider calling Professor Jarmen to give evidence at the
Inquest because the high mortality rates at Pennine Acute are
considered highly relevant.
Enquiers
Cure the NHS - North West
Celia Watson
celia.watson@googlemail.com
01617969752
References
http://www.pat.nhs.uk/uploads/20100524_Item 3 Minutes 29.4.10.pdf
http://www.pat.nhs.uk/uploads/20100426_Item 4 Patient Safety Report.pd
www.curethenhs.co.uk
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8584600.stm
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