A psychiatrist who admitted a series of failings over the death of a teenager with autism is understood to be still working in Ireland.
Dr Valerie Murphy was the lead clinician in charge of Connor Sparrowhawk’s care when the 18-year-old had an epileptic seizure and drowned in a bath.
Connor Sparrowhawk: the clinician who was in charge of his care has admitted 28 failings, but is still working in Ireland
She admitted 28 failings in a hearing before the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS).
These included failing to carry out any risk assessments and failing to meet Connor’s clinical needs relating to his epilepsy and the bathroom. They also included failing to follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.
Connor died in the bath at Slade House, Oxfordshire, in July 2013.
Serious failings contributed to death
An inquest jury in 2015 found that Southern Health NHS foundation trust had committed a number of serious failings. These had contributed to the death of the teenager, who had learning disabilities as well as autism.
Murphy admitted failing to develop an adequate care management plan, particularly concerning Connor’s epilepsy.
She failed to obtain a history of Connor’s behaviour before, during, or after seizures, the tribunal heard. Neither did she make comprehensive notes about his care.
In addition to the 28 shortcomings that the psychiatrist admitted, the tribunal found a further nine failings proved. However, it rejected 18 allegations.
In its findings of fact, the tribunal said it appeared Murphy “accepted more responsibility” than she did at the time of Connor’s death or in any other inquiry.
‘Evasive’ and ‘defensive’ responses
However, the tribunal also said it detected some “evasive” and “defensive” responses.
The MPTS will reconvene on 5 November. It will decide at that time whether Murphy’s fitness to practice is “impaired”. She is understood to be currently working in Cork, Ireland.
Connor’s death led to the discovery that Southern Health had failed to properly investigate the deaths of more than 1,000 patients with learning disabilities or mental health problems.
The trust has accepted responsibility for Connor’s death and faces prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive.
Related:
- Calls to end long-distance care
- New NHS guidelines shift care provision
- No trust in Southern Health NHS Trust
- Medical staff still lack autism training
- Percy shunted out of £190k post
- Percy’s former role not advertised
- Spotlight on hospital care
- First step in justice for Connor?
Published: 22 August 2017
