News: Media Statement re: Commentary on the inquest into the death of Claire Masters
Media Statement re: Commentary on the inquest into the death of Claire Masters
Ms Masters had received support for her mental health needs over a significant number of years from a number of different healthcare providers, including our trust. Regretfully, the treatment she received while in our care in 2014, fell below our usual standards.
The inquest determined that the cause of her death was a respiratory tract infection, secondary to a spinal fracture. It also identified there were some failures in the care provided by our trust and provided by others caring for Claire that unfortunately contributed to her suffering.
As a result, we have taken significant steps to meet all of the concerns arising from this inquest, whether raised by the family, the Clinical Commissioning Groups, by ourselves, or by the Coroner. Our investigation into the matter was reassuringly described as robust and thorough, by the independent expert consultant psychiatrist instructed by the Coroner to assist the inquest. Following a careful review of the changes we have put in place since, the Coroner was reassured by the measures the trust has taken to remedy all shortcomings identified.
Richard McKendrick, Chief Operating Officer, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We have undertaken an unprecedented amount of work since 2014 to improve standards of care, and we will continue to work with our partners in acute care to make further improvements where needed. While our senior management have been in regular contact with the family since 2014, as a Trust, we would like to take this opportunity to again offer our deepest condolences to Ms Masters’ family.”