Norwich: Police Investigate Care Given To Man Before His Death

10 October 2013, 11:09 | Updated: 10 October 2013, 14:57

Police are investigating circumstances surrounding the death of a man who had been receiving treatment at Hellesdon Hospital.

On Tuesday 1 October, the man had a medical emergency and there has been an allegation around the care he received before being taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where he died on the evening of Friday 4 October.

The death is being treated as unexplained and an investigation, led by the joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, is currently underway.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Tracey Little, said: "We are investigating an allegation around the care the patient received prior to and during the medical emergency.

"A Home Office post-mortem examination has been carried out but proved inconclusive and further tests will now be carried out.

"We can confirm there are no links to any other enquiries currently being undertaken by the Major Investigation Team."

Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by police.

Roz Brooks, Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Safety of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“As well as conducting our internal investigation, we are assisting Norfolk Police with their inquiries following a serious incident at Hellesdon Hospital in Norwich, on 1 October.

“Patient safety and protecting the vulnerable is the Trust’s main priority and, as such, we contacted the police as soon as concerns were identified.
"We can confirm that four members of staff have been suspended pending further investigation.

“We are in contact with the family and have expressed our sincerest condolences. We will not be releasing any further details at this time in line with their wishes.”