EPUT statement on HSE prosecution September 2020

Commenting on today’s announcement by the HSE, Sally Morris, Chief Executive of Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), said:

“We have been informed that the HSE intends to bring a prosecution against the trust following an investigation into the former North Essex Partnership University NHS Trust.

“As legal proceedings have started, we are restricted in the comments we can make, but I would like to take this opportunity to say our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families whose loved ones were part of this investigation.

“Safety is our absolute priority and we are continually working to ensure the safest environment possible for our patients.”

Background

1. Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) was formed on 1 April 2017 following the merger of North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (NEP) and South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT).
2. EPUT will face prosecution under Section 3(1) Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
3. HSE investigated how North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust managed environmental risks from fixed potential ligature points in its inpatient wards between 25 October 2004 and 31 March 2015