Health officials have apologised for a botched investigation into the death of autistic teen Oliver McGowan.
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says it is “deeply sorry” for the failings of a Learning Disability Mortality Review (LeDeR) into Oliver’s death.
Oliver, 18, had autism, epilepsy, a learning disability and cerebral palsy.
Oliver McGowan, who died after medics gave him an antipsychotic against his wishes
He suffered an allergic reaction to antipsychotic medication at Bristol’s Southmead Hospital.
His brain swelled so much it began to come out of the base of his skull before he died in November 2016.
Parents Paula and Tom McGowan insist both they and Oliver himself warned medics that he was allergic to antipsychotics. They asked in vain for the medics not to give the medication.
‘Unreservedly sorry’ for botched investigation
CCG chief executive Julia Ross told a meeting of her governing body that she was “unreservedly sorry”, according to Bristol Live.
The apology came after the first LeDeR caused more heartache for the family when a finding that his death might have been avoided was removed.
Following stinging criticism from the family, a second LeDeR was ordered.
First probe discredited
This ruled that the youngster’s death was “potentially avoidable”. It prompted the apology over the handling of the now-discredited first probe.
But Paula, 55, who lives between Bristol and New South Wales, Australia, said no-one from the trust contacted her to apologise.
She felt the apology was more for the benefit of the media than her family. In a message she described it as a “non-apology”.
Police probe ongoing
Ross told the meeting she hoped to meet with the McGowans, but they were unwilling to engage with the CCG.
An Avon and Somerset Police probe into Oliver’s death remains ongoing.
Related:
- NHS admits Oliver’s death avoidable
- Criminal probe into Oliver’s death
- New probe into death of Oliver McGowan
- Petition demands police train in autism
- Mum petitions for forced autism training
Published: 10 December 2020
