Family of Mark Ankrett consider fourth investigation

As revealed yesterday (Wednesday) an independent probe into the death of Mark Ankrett, from Bloxwich, found Walsall Manor Hospital were culpable of failings in his care, but concluded none of them contributed to his death stating most of his treatment was clinically appropriate.

Among the shortcomings identified by Verita, was that Mr Ankrett, who died in November 2013, had not seen his neurologist in nearly two years while they said his records were kept poorly. However they concluded the aspiring builder, a former South Staffordshire College student, died because of his complicated medical condition arteriovenous malformation – a tangle of blood vessels making haemorrhages and strokes more likely.

That investigation, commissioned by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, had been the third review into the aspiring builder’s death and one which his family had fought tooth and nail for.

Dissatisfied with the outcome of the first internal review, and then an external opinion on one particular aspect of his care, the Ankrett’s launched a petition, which gained more than 1,000 signatures, calling for an open and honest investigation. Now, having disagreed with Verita’s conclusion they are considering a private investigation.

Mr Ankrett’s mother Tracey said: “I don’t agree with a great deal of the report. He was not monitored closely enough. His neurologist did not see him for two years. How can they say that didn’t have an impact? He did drink a lot in his last year but he had suffered for a lot longer. To this day I have still not had an answer to who was responsible for his care overall.

“At the moment we are considering a private investigation now. We have tried to leave it to the Manor to be open and honest. But the only way to get the truth is to get someone independent ourselves.”

The report is set to be discussed by Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s governing body today (Thursday). The Ankrett’s are due to attend the meeting.