19.09.17
Southern Health admits guilt for ‘entirely preventable’ Connor Sparrowhawk death
Southern Health has this week admitted guilt for the death of Connor Sparrowhawk and apologised to his family.
The teenager, who died in the trust’s care in 2013 was epileptic and had autism along with other learning difficulties, and was being cared for at a residential care unit called Slade House.
Later tribunal hearings heard that risk assessments had not been properly carried out at the trust, and that Sparrowhawk’s tragic death by drowning in a bath tub could have been prevented.
Southern Health have already admitted responsibility for the death, and announced that it was paying £80,000 compensation to Sparrowhawk’s family in June last year.
The CQC is also currently taking legal action against Southern Health for its failing. The trust will now face prosecution after it today pleaded guilty to Sparrowhawk’s death at Banbury Magistrates Court.
In a statement, Julie Dawes, interim chief executive at Southern Health, admitted that more could have been done to stop this tragedy from happening.
“Connor’s death whilst under our care was entirely preventable and today we have pleaded guilty to the charges brought against the trust by the Health and Safety Executive,” she said.
“Connor’s loss continues to have a devastating impact on his family and we are truly sorry that we didn’t keep him safe.”
Dawes added that the effect of Sparrowhawk’s death had been far reaching and whilst it in no way compensates for the loss his family has suffered, it has led to significant changes and improvements at the trust.
“There have been times when our actions unintentionally added to the distress of Connor’s family,” she continued. “However, as a result of the changes we have made we hope that all families and service users will now experience a more compassionate approach from Southern Health.
“Connor is a constant reminder why we must continue to do everything we can to improve the quality and safety of our services.”
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