Parents of teenager who died after being left alone on mental health ward call for accountability
Ruth Szymankiewicz died after being left alone on a ward at Taplow Manor Hospital in 2022
The parents of a 14-year-old from Salisbury who died in a failing mental health unit in Berkshire say there's been no accountability for their daughter's death.
Ruth Szymankiewicz was supposed to be under constant observation at Taplow Manor Hospital in 2022, but died after being left alone.
Her parents believe she'd still be alive if concerns about the unit had been taken seriously.
An inquest ruled her death was an 'unlawful killing' but there's been no criminal prosecution.
Ruth's mum Kate Szymankiewicz says the failings could have been avoided:
"Why did our daughter have to die before anyone actually paid any attention to make some changes.
"They knew all of this before she died."
Steph Smith was a healthcare assistant at the hospital:
"There was a huge culture of covering things up.
"There were lots of reports and investigations that used to say observations weren't done.
"Instead of the observations actually taking place, what would happen is people would sign on the clipboard saying they'd been done - knowing full well they hadn't."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:
“Our deepest sympathies are with Ruth’s family and friends. This is a shocking case and it is clear care at Huntercombe Hospital fell far below the standards we expect.
“Where appropriate the CQC can bring prosecutions where a provider has failed to comply with a warning notice, and we are clear that those that harm patients through negligence or mismanagement should face the consequences.
“We are investing £75 million this year to reduce inappropriate out of area placements, increasing family involvement in patent care through the Mental Health Bill, and driving up standards through the 10 Year Plan so everyone receives the level of care they deserve.”
The Care Quality Commission says it carried out a full criminal investigation into Ruth’s death but the evidence “did not meet the threshold”.
The regulator said it's met with Ruth’s family to explain the decision - and added that there is no suggestion the outcome would have been different if there had been no warning notice.
Active Care Group acquired The Huntercombe Group, who ran Taplow Manor, in December 2021. A spokesperson told Sky News:
“We deeply regret the tragic event that occurred, and we are truly sorry for the distress this has caused
“We directed significant investment in staff training, recruitment, and the hospital estate…over an 18-month period.
“By early 2023 it became clear that achieving the high standards of care…would not be possible within an acceptable timescale.
“We are dedicated to learning any further lessons.”
Elli Investments Group, the previous owners of The Huntercombe Group until 2021, has said they regret these hospitals which were independently managed failed to meet expectations.
The organisation previously said: “We regret that these hospitals and specialist care services, which were owned and independently managed by The Huntercombe Group, failed to meet the expected standards for high quality care.”
An NHS England spokesperson said: “We offer our sincerest condolences to the family of Ruth Szymankiewicz.
“All providers must operate to the highest standards and the NHS worked with young people and families to move patients from Taplow Manor to other clinically appropriate services.