Hospital in new storm over death
Another highly critical report on Stafford Hospital has revealed a catalogue of failures relating to the death of a Cannock man including CCTV cameras not working, poor communication between nurses and doctors, and a failure to follow hospital policy.
Conservative shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley also today set out a five-point plan to prevent any repeat of the failings identified in last week's damning Healthcare Commission report which criticised the standard of care at the hospital.
The Express & Star has obtained an internal report examining the death of 61-year-old dementia sufferer Robert Baseley, from Chadsmoor, who went missing from Stafford Hospital in October 2007, sparking a massive police search.
Mr Baseley's body was found in a ditch on land at St George's Hospital in Stafford almost a week after he went missing from Ward 11 at the hospital.
He had been taken to the hospital by his niece Karen Burley after he was found wondering on Cannock Chase. Mr Baseley, whose death is part of a damning Healthcare Commission report into Stafford hospital, went missing just over 12 hours later.
A Serious Untoward Incident report into his care revealed a catalogue of failures by the hospital which Mr Baseley's family claim caused his death.
The investigation reveals CCTV cameras in the hospital were not recording meaning there was no way for police to determine when Mr Baseley left and by which exit and in which direction.
Nurses and doctors failed to communicate properly which the report said caused "poor care, high risk, and a failure of the caring system."
Staff failed to identify Mr Baseley as a vulnerable person and at no point was his mental capacity assessed. He was not monitored and once staff knew he had gone missing they failed to follow the trust's own missing persons policy.
The report also said documentation by staff was "insufficient and contradictory at times."
Mrs Baseley's niece Karen Burley, aged 41, from Cannock said: "I do blame Stafford hospital for my uncle's death. I had warned them he had dementia and if they had reported his behaviour he would have been put on a secure ward."
Mid Staffordshire NHS FoundationTrust has apologised to Mr Baseley's family and claims an action plan to address the shortfalls in his care has been drawn up.
