Essex hospital pleads guilty to failings over disabled man’s death

An NHS hospital in Essex has pleaded guilty to health and safety failings over the death of a disabled man who died after getting his head stuck in the railings around his bed.

Kyle Flack, 20, from Stanford-le-Hope, who had severe cerebral palsy, was found dead at Basildon University Hospital in October 2006.

The Health and Safety Executive prosecuted the Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital Trust at Basildon magistrates’ court today claiming it had failed to ensure the patient’s safety.

Reacting to the prosecution, Nigel Ellis, head of national inspection at the Care Quality Commission (CQC), said: “The death of Kyle Flack was an absolute tragedy. It is clear that Kyle did not receive care appropriate for his needs, and this should never be allowed to happen again.”

The Times quoted Mr Flack’s mother Gillian as stating that her son’s death had been “unnecessary”, as well as stating that the case was indicative of the poor treatment of many vulnerable individuals.