The Gosport Hospital deaths scandal is an absolute tragedy. The independent inquiry that families have been calling for for decades has finally taken place, and the outcome is disturbing.
According to the independent report, some 450 Gosport Hospital deaths could have been avoided and have been directly linked to dangerous opioid-use policies where patients were subjected to constant dosages of diamorphine; also known as heroine.
Dr Jane Barton, a GP who worked at Gosport Hospital for 12 years, was found to have routinely overprescribed dangerous and life-shortening opioids to patients which has led to potentially hundreds of premature deaths.
Gosport Hospital deaths inquiry findings
The inquiry looked into some 1,500 deaths, and the findings into the Gosport Hospital deaths found that 456 patients were administered the life-shortening opioid diamorphine (heroine) when they did not require it. The diamorphine was reportedly administered through a syringe-driver attached to patients’ backs, meaning they were constantly receiving the opioid.
The overprescribed drugs scandal reportedly took place in the 1990s, and despite an investigation into 12 Gosport Hospital deaths in 2010, Dr Barton was reportedly allowed to continue to practice despite her use of medication being described as “excessive, inappropriate and potentially hazardous”.
Due to missing records, it’s understood that there may have been a further 200 deaths attributable to the policy as well.
Involvement of other healthcare professionals in the Gosport Hospital deaths
The involvement of other healthcare professionals in the Gosport Hospital deaths is also being investigated. The high levels of opioids used suggests that consultants, nurses and pharmacists must have had enough information to judge that there was a serious issue with the opioid policy at the hospital.
It’s understood that some concerns were previously raised by nurses working at the hospital, but following a staff meeting, their concerns were silenced.
Criminal prosecutions may also be looming for Dr Barton and any other healthcare professional who is found to have been culpable in the deaths at the hospital.
Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, said:
“Nothing I say today will lessen the anguish and pain of families who have campaigned for 20 years after the loss of a loved one, but I can at least on behalf of the government and NHS apologise for what happened and what they have been through”.
Gosport Hospital deaths legal investigations
We’re looking into the legal issues surrounding the Gosport Hospital deaths, and anyone who is in need of advice can access our free, no obligation legal advice services.
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