June 21, 2016

Inquest into hospital failings and a claim for financial compensation

Whilst compensation can never make up for the death of a loved one, families are often comforted by bringing about changes to ensure nobody else loses a loved one in the same way.

Ali Cloak recently acted for the parents of Robin Brett, an 18 year old with learning difficulties and complex medical needs, who died whilst under the care of a hospital trust in the South West.

Robin suffered with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), a long-standing condition which meant it was essential for him to receive steroid medication twice a day, at specific times, without fail. During an inpatient stay for an unrelated condition, hospital staff failed to provide Robin with the necessary medication for his CAH despite it being prescribed for him.

At the inquest, the Assistant Coroner concluded that the hospital trust’s failure to provide basic medical care amounted to neglect.

As a result of our involvement in the inquest, the Coroner made recommendations to the hospital trust and NHS England, seeking that they change their prescription systems to ensure that the administering of prescribed medication cannot be overlooked.

The Coroner also requested that a system be put in place whereby hospital staff would instantly be alerted to those patients with a condition requiring regular steroid treatment. Not only would this apply to those with CAH, like in Robin’s case, but to a much wider group of people requiring replacement steroid therapy.

Robin’s parents describe feeling comforted that something positive will come out of the tragic loss of their son.

Following the inquest, the hospital trust admitted liability for Robin’s death and we acted for Robin’s parents in achieving financial compensation.

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