Dementia patient was restrained 18 times at hospital, investigation finds

‘What happened should never have been allowed to happen and should never be allowed to happen again’

AN EXPERT has described as “shocking and extreme” reports that a dementia patient was restrained by guards 18 times so he could be forcibly treated.

The 77-year-old was admitted to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent, last November. A BBC investigation found he was repeatedly pinned down by staff and security guards and allegedly had a cloth held over his head while nurses inserted a catheter.

Dr Katie Featherstone, a dementia care researcher at Cardiff University, said the man’s protestations were “totally ignored”, adding: “It’s a really shocking and extreme case.”

His family said: “What happened should never have been allowed to happen and should never be allowed to happen again.”

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust apologised, adding that his care “fell far short” of what should be expected.

A spokesman said: “As soon as a member of staff raised concerns, we reported it to the police and our regulators, suspended a number of staff and opened an investigation, and have remained in contact with the patient’s family.

“We apologise unreservedly to the patient and his family.”

A police investigation was opened and subsequently closed. One member of staff has been referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and the patient has moved to Kent and Canterbury hospital.

East Kent Hospitals is also being investigated by the Care Quality Commission into its maternity services following a series of baby deaths. The trust also faces enforcement action amid concerns over Covid infection control.