A 34-year-old father collapsed and died in a hospital accident and emergency waiting room after suffering a heart attack, with his family alleging he was left 'like a dog rolling around on the floor' by staff who failed to act.
'Agonising' Pain and Alleged Inaction
Thomas Casey endured what his family described as 'agonising' pain at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, Essex, on Friday. His 19-year-old son, also named Thomas, claimed he repeatedly warned hospital workers that his father was suffering from a cardiovascular issue, telling them 'you're going to kill him'.
The young man told the BBC he would never forget the 'gruesome sight of my father on the floor, blue in the face with white froth dripping from his mouth'. He said his father was in 'agonising, groaning pain in front of everybody' and that he asked for a screen to be put up to preserve his dignity, as Mr Casey was a 'very proud man'.
Family's Anguish and Calls for Investigation
Thomas Jr. has said he believes the hospital discriminated against him and his father because they were from the Traveller community. He reflected on the 'destruction' wrought on his family, stating he 'can't believe' his father is dead.
The incident has prompted Marie Goldman, MP for Chelmsford, to write to the hospital demanding answers about what she called a 'deeply distressing' tragedy. In her letter, she urged the trust to launch a formal investigation, stating: 'Given the severity of this incident, there is understandable concern about what immediate action is being taken to protect patients.'
NHS Trust Responds
An investigation has now been launched by NHS Mid and South Essex. Christine Blanshard, chief medical officer at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'Our condolences go out to the patient's family. We will be investigating the care he received and inviting his family to meet with us and discuss their concerns.'
The tragedy occurred after Mr Casey, a bricklayer born in Tottenham, north London, with links to Billericay in Essex, had travelled to Basildon Hospital the day before. He was reportedly sent home after facing a seven-hour wait. Described by his son as a 'mini humanitarian' who was always helping others, his death has left his family devastated and seeking urgent answers from the health service.
