The Priory Hospital is facing serious consequences after the tragic death of a 21-year-old woman from Cheshire. Francesca Whyatt, from Knutsford, passed away three days after being found unconscious at The Priory Hospital in Roehampton, London. Now, the company behind the hospital, Priory Healthcare, has been fined £140,000 for failing to ensure the safety of patients.
The investigation into the incident was conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which concluded that Priory Healthcare had neglected to provide adequate protection and safety measures on the Emerald Ward where Francesca was being treated. Francesca had been transferred from a local hospital to The Priory Hospital’s specialist unit, the Emerald Ward, in March 2013.
The unfortunate sequence of events began when Francesca was discovered unconscious in a patient lounge on the top floor of the hospital on September 25, 2013. She had made her way to the lounge while the hospital was dealing with an incident involving other patients, and it was there that she tragically attempted to take her own life.
In light of the HSE investigation, Priory Healthcare Limited pleaded guilty to failing to fulfill its duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company has been fined £140,000 by Southwark Crown Court on November 14, 2023.
Francesca’s brother, Daniel Whyatt, spoke about the devastating impact his sister’s death has had on their family. He described Francesca as a truly selfless and special individual who had a habit of positively impacting the lives of everyone she met, even at her own expense. Daniel expressed the ongoing pain and anger they feel when discussing Francesca, as her loss continues to affect their lives and taint their cherished memories of her.
Paul Hems, Head of Operations for London at HSE, emphasized the importance of ensuring suitable systems are in place to monitor patients. He stressed that employers will be held accountable by HSE for noncompliance with health and safety regulations. Moreover, Hems highlighted that incidents occurring after April 2015 would fall under the jurisdiction of the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
It is crucial for healthcare providers to prioritize patient safety and take appropriate measures to prevent tragic incidents like the one at The Priory Hospital. The £140,000 fine serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who neglect their duty to protect vulnerable individuals.
The Priory Hospital’s failure to ensure the safety of its patients has had far-reaching effects, with Francesca’s untimely death leaving a deep void in her family’s lives. It is a somber reminder of the need for constant vigilance and stringent safety measures within healthcare facilities.
