Suffolk mum: mental health bosses an 'absolute disgrace'

Pippa Travis-Williams accused senior management at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) of 'sweeping facts and figures' about the deaths of the trust's patients 'under the carpet' after criticism of bosses was omitted from a controversial report.

An investigation by the BBC found that many critical phrases had been removed from the review- carried out independently by auditors Grant Thornton- when it was eventually made public.

READ MORE: Ipswich mother slams trust over 8,000 'unexpected' deaths

The early draft of the report contained several pieces of fierce criticism, describing the trust's governance as 'poor' 'weak' and 'inadequate,' while the phrase 'large' was used to describe the number of deaths within a month of discharge.

There were also references to 'gaps' in mortality data, while the draft of the report- titled 'Forever Gone', also referred to some staff reporting a 'culture of fear' at the trust.

However, the final draft made no reference to any of these concerns.

READ MORE: 8,000 'unexpected' deaths at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS trust

Pippa's son Henry was found dead in 2016, just days after he was found near a bridge and admitted to Wedgwood House in Bury St Edmunds.

She said: “I am not at all surprised with the headlines regarding NSFT.

"Since losing my only son aged 21, as a result of NSFT negligence in 2016, which they admitted liability for, things have gone from bad to worse.

"This broken mental health system, sadly and tragically for many families, has resulted in far too many unnecessary preventable deaths, despite all my attempts to implement positive changes.

READ MORE: Ipswich news

"My heart goes out to all the families who have lost loved ones at the hand of the trust.

"As for the toxic hierarchy of senior management who sweep it under the carpet and hide the facts and figures.

"They are an absolute disgrace and should be held accountable.  When will lessons be learned?”

Stuart Richardson, chief executive of NSFT (Image: NSFT)

However, Stuart Richardson, NSFT's chief executive, said 'none' of the recommendations had changed from the early draft of the report to the final published version.

He added: "As is common practice, we responded to requests from the auditors to check the factual accuracy of their early draft report and to provide further information.

"This is a standard process to make sure that such reports are evidence-based and that content accurately reflects the situation relating to the data being reviewed.  

“We have been open and honest about the failings highlighted in this report and are committed to bringing about the improvements that our service users and staff deserve.” 

READ MORE: Suffolk news

A spokesperson for Grant Thornton described the report as an 'independent, robust and thorough' assessment of the historic matters at the trust, hoping that it would prompt significant changes to ensure 'greater transparency and compliance' in future.

He said: “It is standard practice to share an initial draft of a report to ensure it is a fair and accurate reflection of the processes reviewed and that the findings from the report result in improvement and change where it is required.

"It is not uncommon for findings and language to be refined before being finalised.

READ MORE: Norfolk and Suffolk mental health trust no longer inadequate

"After the initial draft the engagement team at the trust changed, who then provided further information around controls and internal processes of which we were previously unaware.

"Whilst the overall findings of the report did not change, the new evidence did adjust our assessment of significance in some areas.

"In addition, wording changed in some areas to highlight areas of good practice that were brought to our attention and which we believed could be broadened out to help resolve issues."