A FAMILY are desperate for answers following the 'sudden death' of a ‘loved sister’ nearly six years ago.
Sally Lewis, who had severe learning disabilities, died aged 55, in October 2017 at an assisted living facility in Catshill, Bromsgrove which was managed by provider Dimensions.
A post-mortem examination showed she died of complications from constipation – faecal impaction.
There was no initial inquest as Sally’s cause of death was classed as natural causes, but the family believed the death was preventable, so they started fundraising towards legal fees.
A spokesperson for Dimensions said Sally’s death had a ‘profound effect’ across the organisation ‘particularly on the colleagues who supported her for twenty years and felt her death sharply’.
"The circumstances surrounding Sally’s death have previously been investigated by various organisations and we have co-operated fully with these,” said the spokesperson.
Following a pre-inquest review in September 2018, a full inquest was listed for 2020 but had to be postponed due to legal action against Dimensions which was brought by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
During that time, the family’s fundraising efforts for legal representation at the full inquest had to be paused.
“We were in limbo, and we were not able to grieve,” said Sally’s sister Julie Bennett.
“I talk about my sister with anger band it shouldn’t be like that six years on.
“Sally’s death was sudden – it’s not fair.
“She has left a huge hole in our lives that we will never get over.”
A spokesperson for the CQC said: “Following the court proceedings at Kidderminster Magistrates on 24 March 2022, the district judge concluded that CQC had made an error in relation to the timing of the decision to prosecute the provider and registered manager, and it would not be fair to continue the prosecution.
“CQC challenged this decision by way of a judicial review which further prolonged the case.
“On 23 February the administrative court refused our application to pursue a judicial review which resulted in this case being brought to an end.”
The spokesperson added they are aware it delayed the inquest into Sally’s death but the progress of the case through the courts was out of their control.
Now, almost six years after Sally’s death a date for her inquest has been set for May 24 at Worcestershire's Coroners Court, with her family desperate to raise funds in time for legal representation.
“We are trying to raise funds for a barrister as we can’t represent ourselves, but we need to raise £15,000 - we raised £7,000 but that was used for the pre-inquest review,” said Julie.
“I don’t know what will happen if we can’t raise the money.
“We need to ensure the inquest into Sally’s death uncovers what happened to Sally and why she died.
“We have fought so hard and put our trust in the legal system designed to protect people who have no voice.
“Sally was an auntie, a cousin, a sister – everyone who met her loved her.
“She was our sunshine.”
A spokesperson for Dimensions added: “We will not be commenting further before or during the inquest.
“This is because we will be listening carefully to any new findings coming out of this inquest, and considering any further actions we could take to keep the people we support safe.”
To donate to Julie’s fundraising page visit: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/justiceforsally/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here