Doris Huntley - Update - Kent Messenger

- 01 December 2006;Kent Messenger

AFTER our story in last week's Kent Messenger Sittingbourne edition about a Teynham pensioner who died at Medway Maritime Hospital, a statement has been issued by Medway NHS Trust.

Doris Huntley, 80, of Baker Close, fell from her bed, having been admitted suffering from shortness of breath. Now, her family are calling for an independent inquiry into her death, on May 13, last year.

The statement said: "We would like to extend sincere and heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Mrs Huntley's family and friends for their sad loss.

"The trust cannot comment on the specifics of this inquiry, as the case is now the subject of a formal litigation claim.

"Previously, the trust has corresponded with, and met, members of Mrs Huntley's family in response to the formal complaint they raised.

"We have acted on the issues raised and have responded in detail to their questions about Mrs Huntley's care.

"A Modern Matron for Older Peoples' Service, Jayne Taylor, was appointed in May last year and she has taken forward many new initiatives to enhance the quality of care provided to our older patients."

High-profile Canterbury-based lawyer Sarah Harman, sister of government minister Harriet Harman, has taken up the case on behalf of Mrs Huntley's large family, who all live in either Teynham or Sittingbourne.

Ms Harman says proceedings are being taken against the hospital for negligence.