In a move aimed at addressing growing concerns over healthcare practices, a public inquiry has been announced to investigate patient deaths linked to the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust. This development comes amid rising scrutiny over the use of do-not-resuscitate (DNACPR) orders during the Covid-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland.

Concerns Over DNACPR Orders

Families in Northern Ireland have raised questions about the implementation of DNACPR orders during the pandemic, with many claiming they were not consulted. The Northern Health Trust, which received 17 complaints about such decisions between March 2020 and December 2021, has apologized for any distress caused. Alison McKinney, a 56-year-old patient at Causeway Hospital, died in August 2021 with a DNACPR order in place, unbeknownst to her family. Her daughter, Lizzie Lyle, expressed shock upon discovering the order, stating her mother would never have consented to it. Similarly, Jennifer Currie, whose mother June McGrath died in November 2020, found a DNACPR document posthumously, despite no family consultation.

Inquiry into Mental Health Care Failures

In a parallel development, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has confirmed a public inquiry into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust following the deaths of several patients, including teenagers Christie Harnett, Nadia Sharif, and Emily Moore. These deaths, deemed "preventable tragedies" by their families, have sparked calls for accountability and reform. The trust, previously fined £215,000 for safety failings, has been criticized for inadequate responses to patient self-harm risks. Streeting emphasized the need for comprehensive investigations to ensure high-quality mental health care and prevent further tragedies.

Systemic Issues and Accountability

The inquiry will examine the trust's handling of patient care over the past decade, with a focus on systemic failures. Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough, highlighted the cultural issues within the trust, stressing the importance of uncovering the truth for affected families. Alison Smith, the trust's chief executive, pledged full cooperation with the inquiry, expressing a commitment to transparency and meaningful change.