Ten years have passed since that fateful day, 25 July 2014. The day began unremarkably with no hint of the horror that would unfold and the ensuing devastation of your loss for all those who loved you dearly.
The so-called “professionals” from Humber NHS Trust Crisis Team ignored your pleas for help and the advice of more knowledgeable colleagues. Their unconscionable game of Russian Roulette with your life had inevitably catastrophic consequences when they removed your last vestige of the hope for help.
Sadly, ten years on, despite numerous similar deaths caused by clinical negligence and neglect, Prevention of Future Deaths reports (PFD’s), lessons learned, action plans and a myriad of investigative procedures, ultimately nothing has changed in the delivery of mental health services and the toll on families of loved ones as their numbers continue to mount.
If only Sal ……………………………..
If only you had not died so young.
If only I could have saved you.
If only I could rewind the clock.
If only I could hear your voice.
If only I could see you smile.
If only I could speak with you.
If only we could laugh together.
If only I could spend one more day with you.
If only you were here to share family milestones.
If only you were here today.
If only they had been competent mental health practitioners.
If only they had acknowledged and acted on your acute distress.
If only they had taken the advice of colleagues who knew you well.
If only they had listened to me or told us when your life was in danger.
If only they had treated you with kindness, dignity and respect.
If only they had possessed one shred of humanity.
If only the outcome of that final assessment had not been pre-determined.
If only they had not been ignorant and prejudiced.
If only they had listened to the protestations of the police.
If only the ambulance had not taken 99 minutes to arrive.
If only they had learned anything from your negligent death.
If only they had the capacity for reflection and remorse.
If only they had a conscience.
If only they had told the truth.
If only people mattered more than organisational reputation.
If only they understood the catastrophic consequences of their neglect.
If only they could experience your pain or the pain of our loss.
If only so many others had not subsequently suffered a similar fate.
If only there were not others alive today yet to suffer at their hands.
If only ………. Sally.
The enormity of the loss of you in our lives and our enduring love for you does not diminish with the passage of time. You are constantly in our thoughts, Sally.
Justice for Sally 