Investigation clears staff in care inquiry over Yeadon murder (From Wharfedale Observer)

Investigation clears staff in care inquiry over Yeadon murder

10:31am Thursday 4th October 2012 in Local news By Annette McIntyre

Health staff could not have prevented the murder of an elderly woman by her granddaughter, an investigation has found.

Annie Garbutt, 76, was battered to death in 2007 by Joanne Hussey, of Yeadon, who was suffering from mental health problems.

Hussey was sentenced to life in prison for the crime when she appeared before Leeds Crown Court.

Now NHS North of England has published an independent investigation report into the care Hussey received.  The investigation, which refers to Hussey as Miss A, has found that the killing was neither predictable nor preventable by any of the services involved in her care.

It also found it very unlikely that anything could have been done by trust staff that would have changed the course of events. Chris Butler, chief executive of Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This was a tragic event and Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust extends its deepest sympathy and support to everyone affected by it.

“Despite the unpredictable nature of the incident we welcome this report and are committed to responding positively. Although the report identifies some learning for the trust, we are pleased that the thoughtfulness, diligence and commitment of staff has been recognised.

“Although there is no direct link between the recommendations and the events of May 2007, our services have moved on since the incident occurred, and through the regular reviewing of procedures and changes in national guidance, we hope to further minimise the occurrence of such events.”

Kevin Howells, acting chief executive of the NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds, said: “We would like to express our sympathies to all those touched by this tragic event.

“As the commissioner of mental health services in Leeds, we would like to reassure people that the local NHS has learned from this incident, and will continue to do so. Leeds and York Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust worked hard to provide appropriate care for this patient and continues to deliver high quality, patient-centred care.”

Verita, which carried out the independent investigation, said: “We were impressed by the standard of care provided by Trust staff who could not have anticipated or prevented the tragic outcome.”