Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth said:
“I fully support calls for a Public Inquiry into Matthew’s death to ensure that the lessons of this tragic case are learnt.
“The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s report into Matthew’s death outlined the shambolic way in which this tragic case was handled by the North Essex Partnership University Trust.
“The Ombudsman’s findings that:
• there was “systemic failure to tackle repeated and critical failings over an unacceptable period of time”,
• that there were ‘missed opportunities’ to ensure the safety of the men that were being cared for,
• that “the lack of timely safety improvements following their deaths is completely unacceptable…it’s important the NHS understands why this happened and what lessons can be learned to prevent the same mistakes happening again”, are shocking.
“The call from the Ombudsman for NHS Improvement to conduct another review is simply not good enough. The Government must ensure that justice is done and launch a Public Inquiry, to ensure all the issues around Matthew’s death are fully considered to protect the human rights of all young people in care units.”
