logo

More than 450 people died as a result of hospital's drug policies

Ksenia Novikova
Jun 28, 2018
01:02 P.M.

At least 456 people were killed by medically unnecessary opiates over a 12-year-period at Gosport War Memorial Hospital in Hampshire.

Advertisement

The Report of the Gosport Independent Panel revealed whistleblowers and families were ignored as they attempted to raise concerns about the administration of medication on the wards, overseen by Dr. Jane Barton.

Investigations found out that patients were given diamorphine through a syringe-driver which pumped out doses that had not been fine-tuned to each patient’s needs.

According to the report, there was a “pattern of anticipatory prescribing”, in which nurses were authorized to provide the drugs in increasing amounts without oversight

Advertisement

Dr. Jane Barton was found guilty of failings in her care of 12 patients at Gosport between 1996 and 1999. She was not struck off the medical register but chose to retire after the findings.

However, the report found that between 1988 and 2000, at least 450 patients at the hospital had their lives shortened as a result of being prescribed powerful opioids without medical justification.

Some patients were expecting to stay for just a few weeks’ rehabilitation before returning home. The report’s sickening conclusion is that there was “a disregard for human life” at the hospital.

Advertisement

The syringe drivers used for years in Gosport and elsewhere to administer constant sedation were faulty. A malfunctioning device could deliver a 24-hour diamorphine dose in an hour, in one fatal shot.

An official investigation concluded that because of ambiguous measurements and faults in the devices, it was easy to overlook mistakes in administering drugs, and they were dispensed by the syringes much faster than nurses and doctors realized.

Advertisement

The inquiry into the Gosport deaths unearthed an astonishing catalog of failure, arrogance, incompetence and indifference from medical staff, health officials, local politicians and the police.

The report criticized pharmacists, nurses, and consultants for dispensing the drugs, administering them or turning a blind eye.

It said families were “powerless” in their relationships with professional staff and were “consistently let down.” Read more on our Twitter account @amomama_usa

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Rich Old Man Leaves Young Wife Just a Car, Old Woman Working at Hospital Inherits His Wealth — Story of the Day

February 15, 2024

Cause of Nick Carter’s Sister, Bobbie Jean’s Death at 41 Revealed — Details

February 13, 2024

At Her Husband's Funeral, Woman Bends to Kiss Him for the Last Time and Sees Him Blinking — Story of the Day

January 17, 2024

Matthew Perry’s Death Certificate Finally Released — Photo of the Document Sparked Fan Debate

November 10, 2023

Newborn Pronounced Dead Is Revived and Opens His Eyes after a Hug from His Mother

November 09, 2023

Woman Heroically Rescues 64-Year-Old Neighbor, Later Reveals Cause of His Collapse

January 18, 2024

Three Out of 5 Siblings Died Abruptly before 43: Tragic Story of the Carter Family

December 27, 2023

Jane Fonda, 86, Sparks Reactions after Wearing Medical Boot & Walking with a Cane

February 09, 2024

3-Year-Old Boy Found after Spending 2 Days Alone in the Wild of Montana

January 16, 2024

‘The Young & the Restless’ Star Billy Miller Took His Life Just Before 44th Birthday, Leaving Letters by His Side

December 06, 2023

Judge Hatchett & Her Son Raise 2 Kids Following Tragic Death of Boys' Mom at 39: 'It's Just Not Fair'

December 31, 2023

Wendy Lang Is Cenk Uygur's Asian-American Wife & a Therapist with a Heart for Gifted Children

December 04, 2023

Patients Reveal the Most Awkward Doctor Visit They've Ever Had

November 22, 2023

Pregnant Teen & Boyfriend Found Dead in Car Days after She Was Due at Hospital - Police Perplexed

December 27, 2023