Priory hospital fined £140k after woman's death

Francesca Whyatt was described as a "truly selfless and special individual" by her brother

A mental health hospital has been fined £140,000 for failing to ensure the safety of patients following the death of a woman under its care.

Francesca Whyatt, 21, was found unconscious at Priory Hospital Roehampton in London in September 2013.

An investigation found the hospital had failed to ensure patients were not exposed to risks to their health and safety.

Priory Healthcare Limited said it was "deeply sorry" for what happened.

Ms Whyatt, from Knutsford, Cheshire, had been transferred from a local hospital to the Priory's Emerald Ward in March 2013.

She was found unconscious after harming herself in a patient lounge on the top floor on 25 September, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said.

She had managed to make her way to the lounge as the hospital responded to an incident involving other patients, the HSE found.

She died three days later.

Ms Whyatt was a patient at The Priory Hospital in Roehampton

Her brother, Daniel Whyatt, said his sister was a "truly selfless and special individual", adding her death had a "profound impact".

"It has invariably ruined all of our lives, and has muddied the precious memories we have of Francesca," he said.

"All these years later it is still so raw.

"We should be able to talk about her fondly, with a smile. Instead every mention of her is done so in anger and rage and it feels like being stabbed in the heart."

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Priory Healthcare Limited pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Costs will be decided at a later date.

Paul Hems, HSE's head of operations for London, said: "This incredibly sad case highlights the need for suitable and sufficient systems to be put in place to monitor patients.

"Employers should be aware that HSE will hold to account those who do not comply with health and safety legislation.

"It should also be noted that similar incidents which have taken place after April 2015 will be enforced by the Care Quality Commission."

'Deeply sorry'

A Priory spokesperson said: "We are deeply sorry that this tragic incident occurred at our hospital 10 years ago and we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to Francesca's family for their loss.

"We take our responsibilities extremely seriously and, as recognised by the judge, have co-operated fully with the HSE's investigation, entering a guilty plea at the earliest possible stage.

"The ward where Francesca was an inpatient closed in 2014, and we have made improvements to our observations and engagement policy.

"Since 2013, we have invested £15m into improving the environment, services and staffing."