Scandal-hit families left distressed by video arrest
THE families of elderly patients caught up in the Tawel Fan abuse scandal have called for action after it emerged a hospital worker was arrested over an alleged Whatsapp video of a vulnerable patient “soiling their bed”.
Relatives were given assurances by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) that there would be major improvements in the care of older vulnerable patients after the dementia ward at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd closed in 2013 when serious failings were uncovered.
But loved ones said the news that an investigation is under way at Wrexham Maelor Hospital into possible ill-treatment of patients is “disturbing and distressing in equal measure”.
In a statement on Twitter they said: “Tawel Fan families feel compelled to respond to the press release made by North Wales Police and BCUHB regarding the arrest and subsequent bail pending further inquiries of a nurse working in care of the elderly services. NWP describe the incident reported to BCUHB as concerns relating to the ‘abuse of position and possible ill treatment of patients.’ A nurse allegedly shared a video on WhatsApp of a vulnerable patient who had soiled a bed.
“Since the closure of Tawel Fan in 2013 and despite numerous investigations, recommendations, improvement groups, stakeholder groups and assurances of improvements of care of older vulnerable patients, (the) revelations are disturbing and distressing in equal measures. It is well documented how patients on Tawel Fan endured ill treatment, neglect and in some cases, abuse in its many forms. It is therefore devastating to discover that such practices could still be happening within BCUHB.
“There is an urgent need for Donna Ockenden who has previously conducted two investigations into Tawel Fan to return to this health board to: 1) Review the current status of care being provided to vulnerable people. 2) To examine the extent of the implementation of the recommendations made by the numerous investigations that have already been conducted.”
Mrs Ockenden highlighted how older dementia patients were left in situations where they remained at risk of serious injury or even death even after inspections highlighted problems. Relatives were given assurances by the health board that lessons had been learned and changes put into place.
Yesterday we reported how Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board referred the matter to North Wales Police after it was made aware of the allegations against a nursing staff member, regarding an elderly patient, on March 24.
The force said the health board was assisting with its investigation, but has not given any further details about what is alleged to have happened.
According to the BBC, the health board said it had started an internal disciplinary procedure and had put measures in place to ensure the safety of patients. It said it will also be setting up a helpline.
In a statement Gill Harris, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s deputy CEO and executive director of integrated clinical services, said: “We were recently made aware of allegations against a member of staff regarding a vulnerable patient and immediately referred the matter to North Wales Police. Whilst we are working with all relevant authorities, this remains a matter under police investigation. Therefore we will not be making any further comment at this time.”