'Her life was destroyed at Walsall Manor: Now I want the truth about my sister's death'
A woman with severe learning disabilities who allegedly received 'inhumane treatment' at Walsall Manor Hospital has died – with her family saying they believe her 'life was destroyed' while a patient.
Legal action was launched against Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust after the family of Susan Hearsey claimed she received poor care at Walsall Manor Hospital and a doll she treated like a baby was damaged.
An independent investigation was launched into the allegations, which centre around her time at the Manor in September 2013. It is yet to be completed.
Ms Hearsey, 66, died last Monday after suffering a heart attack in her sleep. Her sister Jane Dunn has now vowed that she will 'get to the truth' over what happened to her sibling. Mrs Dunn said her sister's final years were 'seriously affected' by her treatment.
She said: "The family is heartbroken, not only to have lost Susan but also we are so sad that her final years were so seriously affected by her treatment at the Manor Hospital in Walsall. Over the past three years, ever since the events took place at the hospital, Susan had not wanted to feed herself, go outside or on holiday or play with her dolls, things she enjoyed before she went into hospital.
"She went into a depression and we believe her life was destroyed by the actions of individuals at the hospital. We are hopeful that the independent investigation into what happened to my sister at Manor Hospital will get to the truth. We also want to make sure that it will lead to the individuals involved being identified and punished for their actions."
Ms Hearsey was admitted to the hospital following a fall. It was alleged that she was not provided adequate hygienic care and that her doll was purposefully damaged by a nurse because Ms Hearsey was not doing as she was asked. The family were awarded a £65,000 settlement from the trust following a hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London last year. However, the results of the investigation are all important to her family now she has passed.
Mrs Dunn said: "I won't give up, I fought this for my sister when she was alive and I vowed that I would get her justice."
Rachel Overfield, director of nursing at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said:
"The Trust has thoroughly investigated the concerns about damage to Ms Hearsey's property whilst she was an inpatient with us in 2013 and shared the results of that investigation. In agreement with Ms Hearsey's family we have also commissioned an external review. The review is in progress and is being undertaken by Verita."
