"Incompetence and negligence led to the death of my son"

Posted by Heartbroken (as a relative), 2 years ago

I believe that incompetence, negligence, and lack of communication with relatives (carers) and GP over a period of nearly 5 years, resulted in my son (aged 29) taking his own life while suffering from schizophrenia. Actions by some practitioners were counter-productive, in my view, and served to work against best outcome.

I was exasperated by the internal investigation, which left my questions and concerns unanswered. In my view it did not address the failings of systems and individuals concerned, as far as I could tell. I felt that the official complaints procedure was slow, poorly executed, and the result not fit for purpose. For instance, in the clear-cut mishandled situations it appeared to me that staff suspensions were called-for, to highlight the blatant - and simple - failings in interaction, recording, following-up, and following through with care.

I am so embittered that in my view just a little effort and diligence by people in the Trust (BSMHT), and by the GPs involved, could have saved our loved son from suicide, but they appear to have little real comprehension of their failings - and still less of Customer Service: the concept of that is alien.

I have had to request an independent review by the Parliamentary Ombudsman for Health to look into failings by this Trust, and my son's GP who, in effect, was responsible for managing this case. Incompetence and simple human negligence prevailed, in my opinion; and my son, after years of efforts to keep fit and motivated, slid into a terrible depressive state in which he thought only he had the answer. We so miss him.