Priti Patel MP Statement on Police enquiry into the North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Essex Police have concluded their investigation into the deaths of 10 patients in the care of the former North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust. Although the police identified areas of concern, they concluded that the evidential threshold for manslaughter charges had not been met. Priti Patel has been supporting the mother of one patient affected and commented:
“My thoughts are with the families of all those affected at this time. It has been a difficult process to get here and I commend the steely determination of those families who have been campaigning hard on this issue in tragic circumstances. I know that the families will be disappointed by the outcome and the announcement from the police. However, the police have been clear that while the evidential threshold to pursue charges has not been met, there were failings and missed opportunities in the provision of care.
“The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, which has replaced the North Essex Partnership Trust, is treating improving safety for patients in their care as a priority and lessons will still need to be learned.”
“The Health and Safety Executive are still undertaking their own investigation and I await the outcome of their inquiries.”