The trial of an NHS hospital and manager for the manslaughter of a 22-year-old woman is set to begin on October 29th. Alice Figueiredo tragically passed away at Goodmayes hospital, which is run by North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT), in July 2015. The Crown Prosecution Service has charged NELFT with corporate manslaughter and a health and safety breach in connection to her death. Additionally, the ward manager at the time, Benjamin Aninakwa, will stand trial for manslaughter by gross negligence and health and safety breaches related to the incident. This marks the first time an NHS trust is facing corporate manslaughter charges over the death of a mental health patient. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust was previously charged with corporate manslaughter following a different case.
It is important to note that while this is the first case of an NHS trust facing corporate manslaughter charges in relation to the death of a mental health patient, there have been previous successful prosecutions by regulators such as the Care Quality Commission and Health and Safety Executive over similar incidents. For instance, the Priory Group was fined £650,000 for criminal failures that exposed a 23-year-old patient to serious harm. The group was also fined £300,000 over the death of a 14-year-old patient. Similarly, Southern Health NHS Trust was fined £2 million for breaching health and safety laws following the deaths of two patients in 2012 and 2013. North Essex Partnership Trust was fined £1.5 million for safety failings in connection to the deaths of 11 patients.
Moreover, there are ongoing criminal investigations into deaths at various NHS trusts. Nottinghamshire Police, for example, are investigating maternity cases following baby deaths at Nottingham University Hospitals Foundation Trust. Additionally, there are active investigations into the death of a 14-year-old girl at a private children’s mental health hospital and other incidents.
The trial of NELFT and its manager sheds light on the importance of accountability and safety in healthcare settings. It underscores the need for rigorous protocols and standards to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring. As the trial unfolds, it will be crucial to closely examine the proceedings and outcomes to ensure justice is served and lessons are learned to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
