WIREDGOV

Katherine Murphy, Chief Executive of the Patients Association, responded to the appointment of a Monitor expert to improve investigation into deaths at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust: 

“The story of Jo Deering epitomises the severity of Southern Health’s failings to patients and families. The trust’s attitude has shattered patient trust in the investigations process, and they have completely disregarded their responsibilities to patients and their families by failing to learn from their poor standard of care. (View story at: http://www.patients-association.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/jo-deering2.pdf?platform=hootsuite).

This must serve as a wakeup call, not just for this trust, but for the whole of the NHS. Care and understanding of mental health and learning disabilities must improve, and trusts have to ensure that the necessary protections are in place to look after the most vulnerable patients. The Patients Association would like to extend its full support to any families who have been affected by the failings of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. 

For the sake of those who have died, there must be true accountability and full transparency to ensure that they get the answers they deserve. We call on Southern Health to show real and sustained commitment to changing their culture and putting their patients first." 

Notes to Editors: 

• The Patients Association is an independent national health and social care charity established over 52 years ago, which has a long history of campaigning to ensure that the voice of patients is heard within the UK Health and Social care system. 
• For further information please contact Matthew Tisi, Communications & Public Affairs Officer, at the Patients Association on 020 8423 9111, or email matthew@patients-association.com
• Visit our website at www.patients-association.org.uk