CAUGHT ON CCTV: THE CARERS WHO FAILED TRAGIC BEN

hospital but could not be revived. A day earlier, Gina urged staff to call an ambulance after seeing how her son’s condition had worsened.

That day, Ben came outside, begging to go home. Gina, from Aylsham, Norfolk, added: “I was trying to keep him calm, give him hope. It was very upsetting because he looked so unwell but I felt powerless to do anything.

“I said goodbye and turned to walk to my car. I heard Ben calling me. I didn’t want to look back because it might upset him even more. I cried as I drove down the drive. It was the last time I saw Ben alive.”

Inquest jurors concluded major failings led to Ben’s death. An expert told the hearing that, if he hadn’t gained weight, it is unlikely Ben would have developed respiratory deterioration.

And if his weight had come down this would likely have corrected his problems, it was said. The inquest found Ben “died due to inadequate weight management and failure to diagnose obesity hypoventilation syndrome, and inadequate consideration of the use of promethazine”.

The inquest also found there was a “failure to identify the seriousness of a life-threatening situation”.

Cawston had been in special measures since 2019. Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission said there had been “consistent failures”. Lucy

McKay, of charity Inquest – which supports bereaved relatives of people who die in public settings – said: “Ben was left to languish and decline in a failing hospital for two years.

“Despite love and commitment of his mother, they were let down by the very people who should have been keeping him healthy and safe. Particularly in his final moments, it appears staff lost sight of Ben’s humanity and their duty to

protect him.” On Thursday, on the first anniversary of Ben’s death, Gina will sit by his graveside to pay her respects. She said: “Ben was my life, my reason for getting up every day. “He was a lovely boy who wouldn’t harm anyone.

“The Ben I saw at Cawston was not the boy I knew – he was anxious, worried and wanted to come home. If only I could have made it possible.” Gina’s lawyers, Fosters Solicitors, plan to seek compensation for medical negligence.

Norfolk Police said it was investigating reports of assault. No arrests have yet been made and “inquiries are ongoing.” The Department of Health was approached for comment.