Inquest finds basic failings in treatment of aristocrat before her death

A SCOTS aristocrat and Antiques Roadshow jewellery expert died after “basic failings” in the care provided at a psychiatric hospital after she suffered a heart attack there.

Alice Gibson-Watt, the cousin of the Duke of Buccleuch, who worked at Sotheby’s, had been taken to the Lakeside Mental Health NHS unit in west London following a psychotic episode, of postpartum psychosis, in November 2012 after she had given birth to her daughter.

A jury inquest at West London Coroner’s Court gave a narrative conclusion into the death of the 34-year-old, but concluded “neglect and gross failures” of mental health unit staff contributed to her death.

The jury found she died from a brain injury caused by cardiac arrest.

They also concluded that “neglect and gross failure” of staff at Lakeside to commence CPR contributed.

The jury concluded staff at Lakeside mental health unit failed to monitor her vital signs properly and that a defibrillator at the unit was not used to resuscitate her.

The family’s lawyer Claire Fazan said following the conclusion of the hearing: “Her tragic death was the result of basic failings in the care provided to her at the Lakeside Unit when she suffered a cardiac arrest. But for that, she would still be alive.”

Anthony Gibson-Watt, the expert’s widower, said that while the verdict “will never bring Alice back... it has given us a better understanding of how she came to die and in time may help us to move forward.”

Carolyn Regan, chief executive of West London Mental Health NHS Trust said their thoughts were with the family.

She added: “Following this sad case in 2012, a multi-agency investigation was commissioned and co-ordinated by Chelsea & Westminster NHS Foundation Trust at the request of NHS England.

“We are now a very different and much improved organisation compared to 2012.”

Coroner Sarah Ormond-Walshe is to send a prevention of future death report to NHS England, raising the identification of acute physical health issues of patients in acute mental health units.

Postpartum psychosis, causes a severe and sudden bout of mental illness and affects one in 1,000 mothers. POLICE officers questioned a man outside the High Court in Glasgow as former Rangers owner Craig Whyte entered the premises.

Officers were seen speaking to the man in a side street near the court where Mr Whyte’s trial was unexpectedly adjourned as one of the jurors fell ill.

It is believed Mr Whyte made the complaint after a man shouted at him.

Mr Whyte, 46, is on trial and denies acquiring the Ibrox club fraudulently in May 2011. The case was expected to continue yesterday with the cross-examination of former owner Sir David Murray, who gave evidence on Wednesday.

However, judge Lady Stacey told jurors proceedings could not continue as one of their number is unwell. It was hoped the trial will resume today.

She told them: “You will have noticed there are only 14 of you rather than 15. One of the jurors is ill and we cannot continue with the trial.

“We hope the juror will be alright and may be able to resume tomorrow, but that depends on her medical condition and she has had to go home. I will have to adjourn the court today but hope to be able to sit tomorrow.

“I have to ask you to come back tomorrow, though there cannot be any guarantees.”

Mr Whyte was in the dock as Lady Stacey asked the jurors to return today.

Among the allegations, prosecutors claim Mr Whyte pretended to Sir David, and others, funds were available to make all required payments to acquire a controlling stake in the club.

Mr Whyte denies the two charges against him, one of fraud and another under the Companies Act.