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PATIENT DYING OF THIRST RANG 999

(29 Posts)
POGS Tue 03-Jul-12 22:38:53

Am I the only one to be absolutely disgusted to read the story of Kane Gorny, aged 22 who died of neglect in the St. George Hospital, Tooting.

He had gone in for a hip replacement but died of dehydration due to neglect by the staff. The poor lad had battled with cancer of the pituitary gland and his medication had weakened his bones, hence the need for a hip replacement. The hospital were informed of the need to ensure his medication was kept up and to control his fluid levels, without this happening he would die.

He had to resort to ringing 999 and when the police arrived at the hospital they were turned away and the nurses informed the police he was in a confused state. He was, because they had not given him medication nor water, hence the coroner has referred the case to the police. The lad was put into a side room and died a few hours later.

He had been observed by locum doctors and nursing staff but it was not until a doctor was doing his rounds that they realised they were battling to save his life. To add further injury the doctor said "You need to go and see your son. He's dying". They found their son lying in blood and fluid soaked sheets and a nurse asked THEM to help change the sheets. The same nurse later came into the matron's office and asked whether they were 'finished' saying "CAN I BAG HIM UP".

The death certificate said Mr Gorny died of 'water deficit' and hypernatraemia, known as dehydration. Nurses at the hospital were you will be pleased to know received counselling,reportedly.

Please do not blame the 'Cuts' this took place in May 2009. The inquest continues and is still being considered by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Greatnan Fri 06-Jul-12 16:58:19

You have three years from the date of the incident to make a formal complaint, or from the date at which the injury became evident.

POGS Fri 13-Jul-12 20:27:40

Probably no need to up date but I will anyway.

The Coroner called the staff 'incompetent'. She was scathing about the treatment Kane Gorny received at the hands of staff who refused to take any form of responsibility for their roles. She added the 'target driven culture' of the N.H.S. and European Working Time Directive had played a part. She added he was undoubtedly let down by incompetent staff, poor communications and a lack of leadership.

During the inquest it emerged nearly all the staff involved failed to read his notes, Nurses ignored his requests for water and failed to carry out basic tasks such as, giving him vital medication,and checking his fluid and sodium levels.

Although the Coroner referred the case to the police, no charges have been brought.

I do not find this is adequate. The Crown Prosecution Service is failing us all and this terrible neglect of care is now common place but nobody has the will to prosecute or make a point because it is protective of the N.H.S. I do wonder if it was a private hospital if a charge would have been made

Mishap Fri 13-Jul-12 21:08:33

There has also been something on the news recently about failure to spot deep vein thrombosis after surgery and this leading to a number of deaths.
I guess basic "obs" have become to mundane for some.