A father tragically died after collapsing in a crowded A&E waiting room at Broomfield Hospital in Essex, with his son alleging he was left in excruciating pain, 'rolling around on the floor like a dog' before his death.
Thomas Casey, 34, died from a suspected heart attack on Friday at Broomfield Hospital near Chelmsford. His son, Thomas Jr, has since shared his harrowing account of the incident, claiming that despite his father's obvious signs of distress, hospital staff failed to provide adequate care.
Chelmsford MP Marie Goldman, a Liberal Democrat, has written to the hospital's chief executive, Dawn Scrafield, demanding answers about the 'deeply distressing' incident. The NHS Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, is currently investigating the care Casey received and has invited his family to meet with its senior leadership.
The Incident at Broomfield Hospital
Thomas Casey Sr arrived at Broomfield Hospital's A&E department on Friday, suffering from severe pain. His son, Thomas Jr, who was present during the incident, described the scene as 'gruesome', with his father 'blue in the face with white froth dripping from his mouth'.
Despite the clear signs of a cardiovascular emergency, Casey Sr was allegedly handed painkillers and told to wait in the crowded waiting room. Thomas Jr claims he repeatedly pleaded with staff that his father was in 'agonising, groaning pain' and needed immediate attention.
When requesting a screen to protect his father's dignity, as he was a 'very proud man', the son claims a doctor dismissed his request, telling him to 'tell [the other patients] to look the other way then'.
Allegations of Negligence
Thomas Jr's account paints a disturbing picture of the events that unfolded in the A&E department. He alleges that it was obvious his father was suffering from a serious cardiovascular issue from the moment they arrived at the hospital.
'I asked for a screen to be put up in the hospital for his dignity because he was a very proud man. But the doctor looked at me and said, 'Tell [the other patients] to look the other way then',' Thomas Jr recounted to the BBC.
The 19-year-old further stated, 'They didn't care about him. They left him like a dog rolling around on the floor. It was inhumane.'
Prior Visit and Long Waits
Casey Sr had visited Basildon Hospital the day before his death, only to be faced with a reportedly seven-hour wait. Frustrated and in pain, he decided to return home and seek treatment at Broomfield Hospital the following day.
The 34-year-old bricklayer, originally from Tottenham in north London but with links to Billericay in Essex, was described by his son as a 'mini humanitarian' who was always ready to help others.
MP Demands Answers
Chelmsford MP Marie Goldman has expressed deep concern over the incident, writing to the hospital chief executive to demand answers. In her letter, Goldman described the incident as 'deeply distressing' and highlighted the concerns of her constituents.
'Given the severity of this incident, there is understandable concern about what immediate action is being taken to protect patients,' Goldman wrote. She urged the hospital to consider a formal investigation into Casey's death.
NHS Trust Response
Christine Blanshard, the chief medical officer at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, has extended her condolences to the Casey family. 'Our condolences go out to the patient's family. We will be investigating the care he received and inviting the family to meet with us and discuss their concerns,' Blanshard stated.
Family's Heartbreak and Accusations
Thomas Jr is devastated by his father's death and the alleged manner in which he was treated. 'I can't believe my father is dead. The destruction this has brought on our family is incomprehensible,' he said.
The younger Casey also expressed a belief that his family was discriminated against because they belong to the traveller community. This adds another layer of complexity to the already tragic situation, raising questions about potential bias in healthcare settings.
A Call for Accountability
The Casey family is demanding accountability and a thorough investigation into the events that led to Thomas Sr's death. They hope that their story will bring about changes to ensure that other patients receive the care and dignity they deserve.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident at Broomfield Hospital serves as a stark reminder of the importance of compassionate and timely care in emergency situations. It also highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability within the healthcare system.
The Broader Implications
This tragic event at Broomfield Hospital raises broader questions about patient care in the UK's NHS, particularly in emergency departments that are often under immense pressure due to overcrowding and long waiting times.
While the NHS Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is committed to providing high-quality care, incidents like this underscore the need for continuous improvement and vigilance to ensure that every patient receives the attention they require, especially in life-threatening situations.
The Casey family's story has resonated with many, prompting discussions about patient rights, the importance of dignity in care, and the steps needed to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
