An inquest found that an unlawful killing occurred when a patient suffered a cardiac arrest while in the care of a security officer at a hospital.
Michael Thorley (41), died from an unreasonable force used to pin him on the ground while he suffered severe delirium at Wythenshawe hospital in Manchester.
Inquest found that the guard who was unnamed continued to keep him in line even after he stopped moving.
Thorley, who was receiving treatment for an infection at Christmas 2017 died from complications.
Although the circumstances of his injuries were suspicious at 3 am, the health officials failed to notify the police until 8am. This delay of 5 hours broke hospital procedures.
His family wasn’t informed of his death until much later. They arrived at the hospital and found that detectives were already looking for evidence.
Michael Thorley, pictured, died after suffering a heart attack while being restrained on the floor of Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester
General view at Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester. This is where Thorley passed away after suffering from a heart attack.
Manchester City Coroner’s Court ruled that Thorley could not be held by the security officer.
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust was also criticized for failing to supervise his condition while he was being restrained.
The jury said the force used by the security guard was ‘unreasonable, disproportionate and/or excessive’, that the trust failed to make appropriate security arrangements and staff made errors in Mr Thorley’s clinical management.
According to the court, Mr Thorley was a warehouseman and an avid Manchester United supporter.
He spent time caring for his mother, Lorraine, during her first diagnosis of breast cancer, but was admitted to Wythenshawe after attending A&E on December 19, 2017, with suspected pneumonia.
A court was informed that Mr Thorley had complained of shortness in breath. Initial investigation revealed that he could have an infection. The Acute Medical Unit referred him to another bed.
Thorley received the sedative Chlordiazepoxide for an increased heart rate.
The initial signs indicated that his condition was improving. However, he started to exhibit behavior consistent with delirium in the afternoon on December 21, according to the jury.
He called 999 shortly after 11pm and told police he didn’t feel safe at the hospital.
The nurse intervened to tell the call handler everything was fine. However, Mr Thorley stated that he didn’t know why or how it was happening and that he would like to return home.
Thorley, who was using the toilet at 1.23am, pulled out the emergency cord.
Manchester Coroner’s Court currently occupies the Royal Exchange building. A jury determined that Thorley had been unlawfully killed.
His seizure was discovered by staff. He became extremely agitated, and security was called to assist him.
Two security officers arrived on the scene and said that Mr Thorley appeared confused.
Later, the pair were replaced by one security guard. He was assigned to bed-watch.
While the security officer was doing so, Thorley began to stand by the window and shouted “help” towards passers-by.
Mr Thorley was then restrained by the guard to be moved from the window. This was despite the nurse telling him that he should leave him alone in case the physical altercation could get worse.
Thorley was released, but he continued looking out of the window at the glass and banging on it.
He was again forced to sit, but there was an altercation and Mr Thorley was placed on the ground.
Although the security guard saw that the patient was getting tired, he continued to hold him down.
After Mr Thorley stopped moving, a nurse came to his aid and determined that he wasn’t breathing.
Following lengthy attempts at resuscitation, the patient suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest.
According to court testimony, the hospital trust waited five hours for staff to refer the matter to the police.
The news was not sent to the family until Monday morning.
Wythenshawe hospital. Manchester may face manslaughter charges against a Wythenshawe hospital security guard after an inquest jury determined that Mr Thorley, who was confused and unintentionally killed, had been unlawfully murdered.
Inquiries revealed that guards on bed watch require a licence similar to a bounced at a nightclub would need, a Level 2 Door Supervisor Security Industry Authority (SIA) License.
But, they did not specify any further training to guards in order for them to fulfill their duties within a hospital environment. There was no policy in place regarding restraint and physical intervention.
Mr Thorley’s mother died in August last year following a long and hard fight for justice over her son’s death.
According to the family, December 22, 2017, is one of our most precious memories.
“It was a four-year battle for justice, for Michael to have his voice heard and it has taken a lot of effort from our Dad. Our only consolation is the fact that Michael is still with us, our mom.
“We are hopeful that the situation will improve with security guards imposing restraint on patients who are vulnerable in care settings.
“Comprehensive training must and should be done. Family would like to express gratitude for the assistance of our legal team in bringing about an end to unlawful killing.
“Michael will be missed forever and will not be forgotten. His loss was too sudden.
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s spokesperson stated that Wythenshawe Medical Center is under its care and offered condolences.
“This happened four years ago. Since then, we’ve taken significant steps to address this issue. And we’ll be carefully considering the ruling of the Coroner.