Advertisement

Review of 10 killings shows mental health trust's failings

A review into ten killings involving people who had contact with mental health services provided by the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has revealed failings at the organisation.

View all 6 updates ›

Health trust boss apologises for mental health 'failings'

The Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has been criticised in an independent review published today

The Chief Executive of the NHS health trust which has been criticised for failings in the way it handled the cases of ten people with links to its mental health services, has issued an apology.

Nine of the ten individuals went on to kill other people and in the tenth case - become a victim of murder. An independent review into the cases was published today. Meanwhile, the son of Roger Goswell, one of the patients involved, has also voiced his concerns about mental health care provision at the trust.

“I want to start by saying sorry. The independent review we have published today relates to incidents which had devastating consequences for those affected. I realise this may bring back painful memories for them. I also understand that some, if not all, will feel angry about our services. On behalf of the Trust, I want to extend my sincere apology and condolences.

“We commissioned this review with NHS England because we want to make sure we have done everything we should have in response to these tragic incidents. The review sends us a very strong message about the need to identify and embed the learning from when things go wrong in a way that changes clinical practice and improves patient care. This goes beyond action plans; it’s about organisational culture, values and leadership.”

– Colm Donaghy, Chief Executive of Sussex Partnership

More on this story