Issues Highlighted With West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust

Lawyers have spoken of their concerns regarding patient safety after being instructed by families to investigate their care under a hospital trust.

The West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has come under scrutiny following issues with patient safety and treatment of whistleblowers at West Suffolk Hospital.

One of the most recent cases is that of 57-year-old Susan Warby from Bury St Edmunds, who died at West Suffolk Hospital on 30 August, 2018, following bowel surgery.  Shortly after her death, Susan’s widower Jon received an anonymous letter raising concerns over the care she received in hospital.

It has since been reported in the media that the hospital asked staff for fingerprints and samples of their handwriting in a bid to identify who wrote the letter. 

Irwin Mitchell has previously secured settlements for families which have been affected by failings in care at the trust. 

Expert Opinion

“We are continuing to be instructed by a number of families who have concerns about what happened to their loved ones while under the care of the trust. Some of the first hand accounts we continue to hear are worrying.

These follow previous cases where the trust itself has either admitted failings or issues have been identified at official hearings such as inquests.

Where failings have been identified it is always vital that lessons are learned to improve patient care. Therefore that we are continuing to receive complaints from families is a cause of great concern.

In addition, transparency is key to helping maintain confidence in the NHS and upholding patient safety. Therefore, staff must feel that they can speak out on any issues they come across within the workplace, safe in the knowledge that they will be protected for doing so."
Guy Forster - Partner

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