The Inquests into the deaths of 11 elderly patients at the Kingsway Hospital Derby will begin today.
The Inquests are expected to last over a period of 2-3 months and will be heard by Sir Richard Rougier, a Deputy Coroner specifically appointed for the Inquests by the Coroner for Derby and South Derbyshire, Mr Peter Ashworth. The Inquests will take place at Derby County Football Club's Pride Park.
Alexander Harris represents 7 out of the 11 deceased who were aged between 67 and 92.
Associate Chris Gawne of Alexander Harris who is representing the families said:
"The families of those who died wish to find out whether the concerns raised by members of the nursing staff on the ward, about the end of life care provided to these patients were justified. The Coroner will consider evidence from medical expert witnesses, members of staff from the Hospital and family members in order to rule on the cause of death of each patient."
"The families hope that the evidence heard at the Inquests will clarify what was happening on the ward and either identify any matters for concern about the end of life care provided on the ward or remove the worry that those to whom they entrusted the care of their loved ones may have hastened their deaths."
Case Background
In 1997 nursing staff raised concerns about the end of life care provided to patients on the Rowsley psycho-geriatric ward at the Kingsway Hospital, Derby.
The ward looked after elderly male patients with illnesses such as Dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Allegations were made that staff were deliberately starving and dehydrating patients.
A Police investigation was launched in 1997, which examined the deaths of a number of elderly patients on the Rowsley ward. Papers were sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in September 1999, who concluded that no charges should be brought. Subsequently, the cases were passed to the Coroner for Derby and South Derbyshire, Mr. Peter Ashworth.
The Coroner decided to hold Inquests into 11 of these deaths. In late 2001, the families instructed Alexander Harris, Inquest and Inquiry specialists, to represent them.
Notes to Editors:
All media enquiries should be directed in the first instance to the media management department at Alexander Harris solicitors on 0161 925 5555.
- The first day of the Inquests will start at 11am and 10am thereafter.
- In 1998 the media reported that nursing staff at Kingsway hospital raised concerns that elderly patients on the Rowsley psycho-geriatric ward were hastening patients to their death through the withdrawal of food and water, which weakened patients leaving them vulnerable to secondary conditions such as infections.
- In addition the media reported that the Police began their investigation in November 1997 into the deaths of more than 30 patients, examining patient records in the period 1993-1997.
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