Local Learning Reviews

Henry

In November 2023 Gateshead SAB undertook a learning review following the death of a gentleman in Gateshead.

Henry passed away in 2023 at the age of 64 years, there is very little information known about him.

A management officer from the housing provider attended Henry's home address on an arrears visit as rent had not been paid for one month. It is reported that Henry crawled to the front door to answer due to a 'fall' he had some weeks earlier, he could not remember the exact date. Henry was short of breath and struggling to manoeuvre about. He was also very slim and did not have any food in his cupboards or heating on.

The management officer called an ambulance for Henry. Henry told the ambulance crew that he had not eaten for a month due to sanctions on his benefits. He lived alone, there was no food or drinks in the property, he had been sleeping on his sofa and going to the toilet there. Northeast Ambulance Service records provided this description "the patient and the home were described as unkempt, only one working light in the property no bulbs in other rooms and the heating system was turned off".

Henry was transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, where he passed away two days later.

Further information on the recommendations following the review can be found in the Henry SAR 7 Minute Briefing (PDF, 160 KB)(opens new window).