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26 February 2010
Basildon Hospital officials plead guilty over death
NHS bosses admit safety failures that led to death of Kyle Flack
Officials from Basildon University Hospital in Essex have pleaded guilty over failures that led to the death of 20-year-old Kyle Flack, who had a learning disability.
Kyle, 20, died from asphyxiation on 12 October 2006 after his head became stuck between the bars of his hospital bed. The jury at an earlier inquest concluded that his death was contributed to by neglect.
The Health and Safety Executive had prosecuted Basildon University Hospital for failing to adhere to health and safety laws. It said that Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust had failed to ensure patients were not exposed to risks.
Hospital officials entered their guilty plea at Basildon magistrates' court this afternoon (Friday 26 February). Sentencing will be delivered at Basildon Crown Court on Monday 15 March.
Kyle's mother said that, "despite the challenges Kyle faced, he led a happy and fulfilled life. The very people responsible for his care and well-being failed him.We are utterly devastated by the loss of Kyle".
Mark Goldring, Mencap's chief executive, has called for urgent changes to ensure that people with a learning disability receive equal access to healthcare.
"Parts of the NHS are trying hard but we want to see all commit to ensure people with a learning disability receive the best possible healthcare. We want the sentence to send a very powerful and clear message to all health professionals that indifference to people with a learning disability must stop now."
Find out more about ‘Death by indifference'
Your comments
09 June 2010 Lucy
As the mother of a severely disabled son who passed away 2 years ago, I was very upset when I heard of Kyle's case earlier this year. My own hospital experience with my son before he died, made me enquire with my local hospital and MP about the responsibilities, facilities and equipment NHS hospitals offer to special needs patients. I have therefore written a blog post with my findings which I hope will empower parents and carers of Special Needs People by giving them information about what they can expect from the NHS and how to go about getting help before the disabled person is sent to hospital for a stay. Here is the link: http://www.talkingtomyself.me/specialneeds/preparing-to-take-an-special-needs-person-into-hospital-what-you-need-to-know/ Lucy
01 March 2010 chas pearce
i too had a daughter that died through suspected negligence at the same hospital as Kyle. it is nothing new
02 February 2010 Paulyn Upton
We are from East Kent Mencap and on a Tuesday afternoon we hold a current affairs session, and we have just read your article on Kyle's sad death. We would like to comment on it. "I felt sad and cross that nobody came to help him straight away". Melanie "I feel angry that no support worker came to rescue him" Angela "I feel very angry because the bed wasn't safe" Susan
