Medical
negligence and a failure to adhere to health and safety rules
contributed directly to the death of a severely disabled patient at
an Essex hospital, a judge has heard.
Kyle Flack, a 20-year-old quadriplegic who had
cerebral palsy, died at Basildon University
Hospital in October 2006 after his head became trapped in
protective bars surrounding a bed.
Prosecutor Pascal Bates accused staff and management of a litany
of shortcomings including failures of supervision, training and
risk assessment.
The hospital acknowledged that problems with its "systems and
procedures" had contributed to the death of Mr Flack.
"The Trust accepts that it failed in its legal obligations,"
spokesman Ian Daniels told the court. "These failings were the
result of a number of factors."
He said "extensive steps" to remedy outstanding issues had been
taken since the death.
Judge Christopher Mitchell will fine the hospital at a
sentencing hearing next month.