Body running Heartlands Hospital admits liability over death of ex-Jaguar worker in ‘deeply avoidable’ tragedy
Vincent Pettitt, 86, and his daughter Jane Roche(Image: Family)
A much-loved dad died “hungry, thirsty, and confused” in a Birmingham hospital wondering where his daughter was, his devastated family said.
Jane Roche spoke out after the body running Heartlands Hospital admitted liability over the death of 86-year-old Vincent Pettitt during the first covid lockdown in March 2020.
The former Jaguar worker and father-of-three had dementia and other health conditions and needed one-to-one help in the city care home where he had lived for two years.
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But a law firm acting for Ms Roche said he died of pneumonia at Heartlands after aspirating when he apparently tried to drink an unthickened cup of coffee left at his bedside despite his well-known swallowing difficulties.
He had been admitted on March 28 after developing a cough and fever and later tested positive for covid.
Ms Roche said she raised repeated concerns about her father’s care and claimed nutrition and hydration records showed he was offered little or no food or fluids. On April 3, she said she discovered his condition had significantly deteriorated.
He was unconscious, gasping for breath and had lost a lot of weight. He died early the next day.
Vincent Pettitt
Lawyers said medical records noted Vincent’s coffee-stained clothes, suggesting he had tried to drink the unthickened coffee. Ms Roche alleged the hospital failed to protect her father by ensuring he was safely fed, hydrated, and protected from aspiration.
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust admitted liability.
She said: “My dad was a strong, loving man with an incredible zest for life. He wasn’t in the best of health, but he still made everyone laugh and still had his dry sense of humour.
“My dad needed patient and careful support and I was always by his side during hospital stays to make sure he was understood. But when Covid restrictions kept me away, he was left neglected.
“I believe he died hungry, thirsty, and confused, wondering where I was. No family should go through what we did. I want the truth about what happened to be recognised so lessons are learned, and other families are spared this pain.”
She was represented by Lucie Boase, human rights solicitor at law firm Leigh Day.
Ms Boase said: “This was a deeply avoidable tragedy. Vincent was extremely vulnerable and entirely dependent on those entrusted with his care.
“Instead of being protected, there were issues around accessing food and drink, and he was left at risk of aspiration.
“Though the admission of liability from the Trust is a significant step towards accountability, sadly it comes too late for Vincent and his family.”
The Trust said: “We are truly sorry for the distress and tragic loss of Ms Roche’s much-loved father, Mr Vincent Pettitt, who died in our care at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences remain with Ms Roche and her family. The Trust remains committed to learning and improving the care we provide to all our patients.”