Gosport War Memorial Hospital deaths: inquest after ten years

Families who lost elderly relatives at the Gosport War Memorial Hospital in the late 1990s are still hoping to get to the bottom of what went on. Some ten years after deaths which led to policy investigation and a damning report by the NHS watchdog, the Commission for Health Improvement (now the Healthcare Commission), ten of the families are now due to appear at a pre-inquest hearing on 14 August, preceding the inquest itself. National charity, Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) which promotes patient safety and justice is trying to make contact with families who have not already contacted them, to offer free and confidential support.

The charity has organised a meeting for relatives involved in the inquest on 31 July, 6.00 pm in Fareham, courtesy of local firm of specialist solicitors, Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons. Anyone involved in the inquest can contact the charity on 0845 123 2352 Mon-Fri 10 am – 5 pm or by email: advice@avma.org.uk.

AvMA’s Chief Executive, Peter Walsh, said:

"Although there is no suggestion that the hospital is not safe today, there are still unanswered questions and potential lessons regarding the care of the elderly and the use of powerful drugs.

This is possibly the last chance for families to really get to the bottom of this scandal and be able to put the matter to rest. Inquests can be difficult for lay people and it is important that they have appropriate support. That is why we are taking such an active interest and, together with our member solicitors firm Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons, ensuring they are supported and represented if they want to be".

For further information please contact Alison McClure in the Clinical Negligence team on 023 8085 7345 or email alison.mcclure@bllaw.co.uk