My mother wasn’t in pain but they still gave her sedatives
GLADyS Richards was admitted to the hospital in August 1998 for rehabilitation after a hip operation.
But her family became extremely concerned that very strong painkiller and sedative doses were being given to their mother even though she wasn’t in pain.
Mrs Richards died in the hospital days later, aged 91. Daughter Gillian Mackenzie then became one of the first to raise concerns about the ‘care’ patients were receiving at the hospital.
Mrs Mackenzie, now 85, said: ‘She wasn’t in any pain at all but they tried to give her diamorphine while we were there.
‘I think they wanted to keep her heavily sedated so they didn’t have to look after her. It was less work for the nurses.’
She said she was told by nurse manager Philip Beed: ‘I am going to make her life easier by giving her a shot of diamorphine.’ But she added: ‘I said “No you will not. you are not going to give my mother diamorphine.”’
However Mrs Richards was later sedated and given pain killers on a continuous basis and died five days later.
Mrs Mackenzie from Eastbourne, East Sussex, and sister Lesley O’Brien were horrified their mother died at the hospital despite being admitted for rehabilitation after a hip operation.
Mrs Mackenzie believed her mother had been unlawfully killed and reported the matter to the police and the coroner.
An investigation did not result in any charges and she decided to launch her own campaign for justice. In 2013 she was granted an inquest into the death. The coroner recorded a narrative verdict and the daughter continued on her campaign. For Mrs Mackenzie the 20 year battle for answers comes not a moment too soon. She has been battling cancer and other health problems herself and is praying she sees the day justice is done.
She said she welcomed the latest inquiry, adding: ‘It’s been a massive cover up.
‘The police, the coroner and lots of other people failed to take action and are all responsible. It’s taken over my life. It is disgraceful.’