United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust was prosecuted following an incident in July 2012 when patient John Biggadike died after suffering “catastrophic” internal injuries when he was impaled on a lifting hoist which was being used to assist him. Mr Biggadike, 53, from Spalding, Lincolnshire, was receiving physio at the hospital ahead of being discharged.
During the two-week trial at Lincoln Crown Court, jurors were told that hospital staff were not using the equipment correctly but that no individuals were to blame.
The prosecution alleged that staff were not adequately trained or supervised in the use of the hoist.
The defence suggested Mr Biggadike’s death was caused by failures to act following a “serious incident” with a hoist in a Leicester hospital in 2007, rather than by inadequacies in training.
The 53-year-old fell on to the pole as he was being helped by two members of staff. His rectum was penetrated, causing “catastrophic internal injuries”. Staff had removed a knee support pad from the equipment which should have remained in place, the trial heard.
Since Mr Biggadike’s death, the trust has introduced hoist training for staff.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust will be sentenced on 21 July.
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How sad that the courts cannot or will not appoint blame to the individual or individuals responsible and that people who should be stopped from harming others are allowed a free pass
Absolutely astonishing.. the judge needs to order a re-trial on behalf of the public… HSAWAct clearly states the need to ‘Train’, ‘Instruct’ and record staff training – its simple Janet and John stuff… using any ‘work equipment’…. and more so when used to move/lift people… the: Act Ch 37, HASWM Regs, PUWER and LOLER all come to mind. What the heck are these SI’s for..? As a Safety Person (25yrs) – I’m ashamed being a Tax Payer to both sides – the courts are not taking their role seriously. Who is accountable…. the Managers are. Why should anyone suffer that… Read more »