Family hope son's death can spark change in social care
Daniel Lindsay who had down syndrome died aged 41 in Surrey because of undiagnosed oesophageal cancer in 2023
The family of a man with down syndrome who died of an undiagnosed cancer in Surrey says they hope his story can lead to significant change in how people with mental health conditions are looked after
Daniel Lindsay died aged 41 because of undiagnosed oesophageal cancer in 2023
A recent inquest into the death of Daniel, a resident at Ballater House Care Home in Chipstead, has raised concerns about the systems in place at the facility.
The coroner, Ms Topping, concluded that while Daniel's care did not contribute to his death, there are unanswered questions regarding the home's practices.
Daniel, originally from Tooting, south London, had learning disabilities and Down syndrome.
He moved to Ballater House in November 2020. He was described by his family as a "gentle soul" who enjoyed watching wrestling on his iPad.
On the evening of 23rd September 2023, Daniel experienced a hypoglycaemic event.
Although he recovered, no blood sugar reading was taken before he was left unattended. He was later found vomiting and refusing to sit up.
Daniel was admitted to East Surrey Hospital in Redhill on the same day but passed away on 24th September.
The coroner has asked Ballater House to address several issues, including ensuring patients are not left alone during hypoglycaemic episodes without a blood sugar reading and evaluating the effectiveness of the home's emergency alarm systems.
The inquest revealed that Daniel's family was not informed of repeated incidents of vomiting before his death.
By that time, his oesophagus was severely affected by cancer.
"This case really highlights what's happening behind closed doors all over the country"
Sarah, Daniel's cousin says this case shows the problems with how people with mental health conditions are looked after
"This case really highlights what's happening behind closed doors all over the country, that people at a high level are acknowledging but aren't dealing with and they just aren't being heard by the people that are there to listen to them.
I think this is a massive issue and I think it's one that I've met a lot of people through this inquest that who are phenomenal and who are fighting for the rights of people with learning difficulties because they're just not being taken seriously."
The inquest into Danie's death concluded although there were questions to be raised around the care he received at Ballater house, the care itself did not contribute to his death
Ballater House released this statement following the conclusion of the inquest
"Ballater House fully cooperated with the inquest and is carefully reviewing the Coroner’s findings.
Our thoughts remain with Daniel’s family and friends, and we again extend our sincere condolences for their loss."
"We're hoping really that this is a platform really in which can be used to get that word out there"
Sarah adds the main goal for the family now is to use Daniel's story as a platform for meaningful change
The problem now is that we have is there's nowhere else for us to go in relation to Daniel and his death in that sense, the coroner's ruling is final
"We feel as though we're trying to get the word out there and let it be known that this is a problem
We're hoping really that this is a platform really in which can be used to get that word out there, because these sorts of deaths have to stop we have to rely on others to get the word out there to the public in general who don't know this exists because it is behind closed doors."
Assistant Coroner for Surrey Caroline Topping confirmed she will consider making prevention of future deaths report