THE Trust which runs Andover hospital has said it is ‘deeply sorry’ for the ‘failings in care’ which led to the death of a 76-year-old patient at its Countess of Brecknock Hospice in March 2020.

As previously reported by the Advertiser, Michael Curtis, who was suffering from blood cancer as well as other health conditions including heart problems, was attending the facility for respite care when he left during the night of March 17, and was found in a nearby frosty car park.

An investigation into the circumstances revealed that Mr Curtis was not checked on from 4.20 onwards, despite staff being told to ‘keep an eye on him’.

He left the building through an non-alarmed and unlocked exit. The report also found that one member of hospice staff had taken a ‘double break’, and that a morning medication round had been delayed.

Paying tribute to Michael, his wife of 56 years, Penny, said she would “give anything to turn back the clock”, and added that that she requested the investigation because she wanted to raise awareness about confusion as a serious symptom of heart conditions.

“I think about him every day,” she said. “I wouldn’t want anyone else going through what I have.”

Now, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) has responded, following the release of the report.

Chief nurse and deputy chief executive, Julie Dawes, said: “We are deeply sorry that failings in care contributed to Mr Curtis' death. His passing was a very real shock to the whole team and led to a thorough review; with many important actions already implemented so as to prevent any repeat in the future.

“In addition, since this incident tragically occurred the brand new, state of the art, Countess of Brecknock Hospice has opened on the same site; replacing the old one and incorporating the very latest technologies.

“On behalf of everyone at Hampshire Hospitals I would like to extend our condolences to Penny and the whole family at this difficult time.”