Police Investigation In Basildon & Thurrock Hospital

Dear Resident

Below is the press release issued yesterday Wednesday 22 April 2009 by Basildon & Thurrock Hospital Trust.

I represent Thurrock on the Board of Governors, so if you have any questions in respect of this issue please email them to me at Cllr Tunde Ojetola

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INVESTIGATION BY ESSEX POLICE INTO DAMAGED INTRAVENOUS FLUID BAGS ON THE CHILDREN’S UNIT: HOSPITAL CHIEF REASSURES LOCAL PEOPLE

“I want to reassure our local community that everything is operating normally at the hospital”, said Alan Whittle, Chief Executive. “The police search of the Children’s Unit was completed on Monday and the storeroom that was the focus of their forensic examination is now back in use.

“Anyone coming for treatment, in the Children’s Unit or in the main hospital, will not be affected in any way. The work of the hospital will continue to function as normal during the ongoing investigation.

“We demonstrated how seriously we take patient safety by immediately calling in the police on Sunday evening when damaged fluid bags were found. We acted swiftly to check stocks of intravenous fluids elsewhere in the hospital. This was completed on Monday and no other damaged bags were found. It is also important to point out that all individual bags are always visually and manually checked by staff before use. Staff are being particularly vigilant at this time and reinforcing these checks.

“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the child who died on Saturday. Despite there being no evidence at the present time linking the two incidents, the news of the damage to the bags and the consequent police investigation can only be adding to their distress. We have offered any support they need from our Paediatric Consultant.”

The Trust’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (01268 598536 or pals@btuh.nhs.uk) is available for any parent or patient who has any further concerns or questions.