Inquest finds that neglect contributed to patient’s death.
A man with swallowing difficulties was fed jelly in hospital and choked to death.
An inquest at Milton Keynes Coroners Court was told that Edward Cassin, who had severe learning difficulties, should not have been given jelly, which turns to liquid and can cause choking to people with dysphagia (swallowing problems).
Mr Cassin died in hospital in 2023 as he was waiting to be discharged to a new care home. Assistant Coroner Sean Cummings recorded that Edward had died from aspiration pneumonia, chronic dysphagia and type 2 diabetes. But he added that his death was contributed to by neglect and that if Edward been treated for the pneumonia he would likely not have died at that time.
Edward had been on a special diet and had to be supervised while eating because of his swallowing issues. But the coroners court heard that he was repeatedly fed jelly – on a list of foods not be to be given – and was also not properly supervised.
“We are profoundly sorry for the failings in Mr Cassin's care,” a spokesperson for Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said. “We fully acknowledge the deep distress experienced by Mr Cassin's family and would seek to assure them that we have taken careful steps to understand what happened, including commissioning an independent external review.”
“We welcome and applaud the verdict from HMAC Cummings and feel vindicated as a family regarding the poor and appalling treatment our brother received which led to his death,” Mr Cassin’s family told MKFM in a statement.
“Eddie was the most vulnerable in our society, one where we placed our faith and trust in MKUH to provide basic care which did not happen as proven in the inquest.
“Whilst Eddie had severe learning disabilities, he was also the beacon that shone through our family, he was adored and loved by so many due to his vivacious and kind nature, Eddie loved nothing more than a party with his family and being sociable. It was so difficult not to feel happy and even elated when he was around, and he truly touched the lives of many.
“We now have to move forward with a gaping hole in our hearts since Eddie has gone, one which could have been easily prevented.”
