NHS pays £65k to patient after nurse breaks doll
A WOMAN with severe learning disabilities has been awarded £65,000 by the NHS after hospital staff broke a doll she believed was her child.
Susan hearsey was admitted to Walsall Manor hospital in September 2013 after a fall.
her family launched legal action alleging the 64-year-old was subjected to ‘inhumane’ treatment.
The beloved doll was damaged by a nurse because Miss hearsey was not doing as she was told, claimed her sister, Jane Dunn.
It was found on the floor with its arms severed, its clothes and a chunk of its hair missing, and legs damaged – which had a ‘devastating’ effect on Miss hearsey and her family.
They also claimed Miss hearsey was subjected to inadequate hygienic care.
Walsall healthcare NHS Trust faced a catalogue of allegations of neglect and abuse, including that staff were distracted while on duty and lacked an understanding of Miss hearsey’s special needs.
As well as the payout, the trust has issued a formal apology and agreed to an independent investigation. human rights expert Merry Varney, who represented the family on behalf of law firm Leigh Day, said: ‘Susan, a vulnerable patient with a severe learning disability, loved her baby doll as though it was her own child and she may never recover from the cruelty she suffered while at the Walsall Manor hospital.
‘After facing denials from the hospital and only an offer to replace the doll, achieving financial compensation and an independent investigation finally brings her some justice.’
Miss Varney said the settlement, approved at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, would go towards paying for the necessary equipment Miss hearsey needs for care and therapy so she can start to recover from her ordeal.
Dan Scorer, of learning disability charity Mencap, said: ‘We are pleased the high Court has appreciated the seriousness of what happened to Susan hearsey.
‘She was subjected to appalling treatment from the very people who were meant to be caring for her. This case unfortunately highlights the failures of care that are a daily reality for many people with a learning disability trying to get access to the NHS. This needs to end.’
Richard Kirby, chief executive of Walsall healthcare NHS Trust, said: ‘ We are very sorry that this incident occurred and would like to apologise to Miss hearsey and her family.
‘ The trust conducted a thorough internal investigation immediately following the incident and spoke with Miss hearsey’s family to discuss their concerns.
‘The outcome and actions taken following the investigation were also shared with the family to reassure them that appropriate action had been undertaken and controls put in place to ensure that this would not happen again.
‘Once again, we offer our sincere apologies.’