Michael Russell was a 29 year old writer and artist with his whole life ahead of him. Michael died on 20 June 2010 as a result of deep vein thrombosis leading to a pulmonary embolism, a condition which should have been anticipated and prevented by those caring for him in Ashurst Ward, Littlemore Hospital (Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust).
Over the course of the inquest into Michael’s death, evidence has been heard from doctors, nurses and health care assistants caring for Michael that demonstrate that his physical health needs were overlooked. He had fractured his heel prior to being admitted to the Ashurst Ward and spent very considerable periods of time immobilised in a wheelchair. Over the two weeks Michael was on the Ashurst Ward the staff failed to appropriately mobilise him.
Despite the family’s concerns about Michael’s psychiatric and physical condition being expressed to the staff, they did not act upon them. The family are happy that the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust are now addressing the lack of physical healthcare measures. However, it is very unfortunate that these measures were not in place prior to Michael’s death.
The Coroner delivered a verdict on 7 April 2011 of death by misadventure. The Coroner also found that Michael was spending long periods of time in a wheelchair and identified failure by the staff to recognise the need for Michael to mobilise out of the wheelchair.
The family has been represented at the inquest by Caroline Hallissey (Counsel) of Outer Temple Chambers, and Carolyn Lowe (Associate) of Henmans LLP.
An article on the case was published by the Oxford Mail.