Investigations into deaths at Kingsway hospital, Derby
08/02/2004
Thank you so much for handling my case so well. You came to know us at a great time of sadness and you were so kind. We will always remember you as very professional but also very warm hearted.
Sylvia, Tamworth
In 1997 nursing staff raised concerns about the end of life care provided to patients on the Rowsley psycho-geriatric ward at the Kingsway Hospital, Derby.
The ward looked after elderly patients with illnesses such as Dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. Allegations were made that staff were deliberately starving and dehydrating patients.
A Police investigation was launched in 1997, which examined the deaths of a number of elderly patients on the Rowsley ward. Papers were sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)in September 1999, who concluded that no charges should be brought. Subsequently, the cases were passed to the Coroner for Derby and South Derbyshire, Mr Peter Ashworth.
The Coroner decided to hold Inquests into 11 of these deaths. In late 2001, the families instructed Alexander Harris, Inquest and Inquiry specialists, to represent them. Alexander Harris currently represents the families of 7 out of the 11 deceased who were aged between 67 and 92.
Notes to Editors: IMPORTANT NOTE All media enquiries should be directed in the first instance to the Media Management Department at Alexander Harris Solicitors on 0161 925 5555. Clients are willing to speak and we are happy to arrange for media to speak to clients on Monday the 9th of February.
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In 1998 the media reported that junior staff at Kingsway hospital raised concerns that elderly patients on the Rowsley psycho-geriatric ward were hastening patients to their death through the withdrawal of food and water, which weakened patients leaving them vulnerable to secondary conditions such as infections.
- In addition the media reported that the Police began their investigation in November 1997 into the deaths of more than 30 patients, examining patient records in the period 1993-1997.
- If the Secretary of State for Health sets up an Independent Inquiry, sitting in public and chaired by a judicial figure which will look into the cause of death then under s.17A Coroners Act 1988 there is no need to hold separate inquests.
- Lord Falconer stated in the House of Commons debate on the introduction of s.17A Coroners Act 1988 that the purpose was to avoid duplication, which "prolonged the investigation unnecessarily and could cause additional distress to the relatives of the deceased." (Hansard 14 Jul 1999: Column 475)
Meida Coverage See The Sunday Times - 'Coroner seeks inquiry into 'mass euthanasia' at hospital' - 08 Feb 2004
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