A hospital trust has been fined for failing to prevent the death of a young woman on a mental health unit. The case highlights significant concerns about patient safety and care standards.

At a glance

  • North-East London Foundation NHS Trust fined £565,000 for health and safety violations.
  • Ward manager Benjamin Aninakwa received a six-month suspended sentence.
  • Alice Figueiredo had a history of self-harm and died using bin bags from a communal toilet.

    • Legal Consequences for Trust and Manager

    The North-East London Foundation NHS Trust (NELFT) has been fined £565,000 following the tragic death of 22-year-old Alice Figueiredo. The trust and ward manager Benjamin Aninakwa, 53, were convicted of health and safety offences after an Old Bailey jury found they failed to adequately protect Ms. Figueiredo. Aninakwa was also sentenced to complete 300 hours of unpaid community service. The court heard that Ms. Figueiredo had previously attempted self-harm multiple times. Despite acknowledging the risks associated with keeping bin bags on the ward, the hospital did not remove them from the communal toilet, which remained unlocked. This negligence contributed to her death. Judge Richard Marks KC expressed deep concern over the failure to manage the risks associated with Ms. Figueiredo's care. He noted the lack of proper assessment and the dismissal of warnings from her family. Aninakwa's continued employment at NELFT has raised questions about accountability within the trust.

    Family's Grief and Concerns

    Alice Figueiredo's mother, Jane Figueiredo, expressed her family's anguish over the treatment they received regarding their daughter's care. In a victim impact statement, she described the family's experience as one of "dismissive contempt" and highlighted the unkindness and indifference shown by some staff members. Jane Figueiredo described her daughter as a "uniquely beautiful" individual whose preventable death has had a profound impact on the family. She emphasized that the attitudes displayed by the hospital staff contradict the principles of patient care within the NHS. The court proceedings revealed that Ms. Figueiredo had been admitted to the Hepworth Ward in May 2012, with diagnoses including a non-specific eating disorder and bipolar affective disorder. Despite her history of self-harm, the hospital failed to secure potentially harmful items in the communal toilets.

    Investigation and Trial Outcomes

    The investigation into Ms. Figueiredo's death began in 2016, but charges were not filed until September 2023. The trust faced serious allegations, including corporate manslaughter, but was ultimately cleared of this charge. Aninakwa was also acquitted of gross negligence manslaughter. In addition to the fine, NELFT has been ordered to pay £200,000 in legal costs. The case has raised significant concerns about the safety protocols in place at mental health facilities and the need for improved care standards. The tragic circumstances surrounding Alice Figueiredo's death serve as a reminder of the critical importance of patient safety and the responsibility of healthcare providers to protect vulnerable individuals.