Said:-
We must see a Public Inquiry into Matthew’s death to ensure that the lessons of this tragic case are learnt.
In a recent debate in Westminster, I raised Matthew’s case and called on Ministers to commit to holding a Public Inquiry.
(NB. ALTHOUGH BARBARA REFERS TO MATT COMMITING SUICIDE- THIS HAS NEVER BEEN PROVED. THE INQUEST WAS LEFT AS AN OPEN NARRATIVE VERDICT)
Since then a new Mental Health Minister has been appointed and I have written to her to make the same call as I made to her predecessor.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has identified failures in Matthew’s care that may have led to his death, but they have taken seven years to come to light. There have been many issues with the investigation carried out by the North Essex Partnership University Trust and their report contained inaccuracies about how Matthew’s care had been planned.
After 7 years, the only way for this case to be resolved is for the Government to launch a Public Inquiry, ensuring that all the issues around Matthew’s death are fully considered and that we can prevent this tragic event from happening again.
END
