Jury finds missed care opportunities in footballer's death

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 18:15 · Archive

A jury has found that missed opportunities in his care contributed to the death of former footballer Colin Flatt, 81, in September 2021.

A jury has concluded that missed opportunities in his treatment and care contributed to the death of former footballer Colin Flatt, 81, on September 7, 2021. After seven days of hearing evidence at the inquest, the 10-person jury identified several systemic failures in his care.

Mr Flatt was admitted to three hospitals and two care homes between May 25 and September 6, 2021. Following a short stay at Broomfield Hospital on May 25, he was admitted to Goodmayes Hospital where he was detained under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983, then released on June 17. This led to an unsettled period in which he moved between care homes and his own home, during which he displayed increased confusion, agitation and aggression.

The jury identified specific missed opportunities that contributed to his death: his release after being detained under the Mental Health Act; failure to refer him to the rapid assessment interface and discharge team; absent handovers between Anisha Grange Care Home and Basildon Hospital and between wards at Basildon Hospital; and an incomplete absconding risk assessment. Heavy medication during this period had a negative impact on his health and contributed to his decline.

Mr Flatt's partner of 19 years, Melanie Leahy, spent five years seeking answers about his death. On May 25, 2021, she recorded his heart rate at 35 beats per minute using a home blood pressure monitor.

How it is being reported

• Jury finds series of missed opportunities contributed to ex-footballer's deathA jury is deliberating at an inquest into the death of a former professional footballer with dementia who was moved between hospitals and care homes.Echo (Basildon) · 28 Oct, 18:00
• Jury finds series of missed opportunities contributed to ex-footballer's deathA jury is deliberating at an inquest into the death of a former professional footballer with dementia who was moved between hospitals and care homes.Colchester Gazette · 28 Oct, 18:00

In this story: Colin Flatt · Melanie Leahy · Basildon Hospital · Broomfield Hospital · Goodmayes Hospital · Anisha Grange Care Home

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