The family of Derek Davies, a 75-year-old resident at Wheatridge Court nursing home in Gloucester, have described enduring a “permanent state of torment” since his tragic death nearly four years ago.
Mr. Davies died after being mistakenly administered the wrong medication by care worker Jane Barnard, who gave him 90 grams of slow-release morphine intended for another resident. Barnard, 66, of Longlevens, was charged with manslaughter but was cleared by a jury at Gloucester Crown Court. She did, however, admit to one count of wilful neglect and is due for sentencing on January 19.
The court heard that after realizing her error on September 6, 2021, Barnard panicked, discarded Mr. Davies’s correct medication, and took steps to conceal the mistake. Mr. Davies became seriously ill, was hospitalized, and died two days later. While his initial cause of death was recorded as a brainstem stroke, it was later revised to morphine toxicity.
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In a heartfelt statement after the verdict, Mr. Davies’s family revealed the immense pain caused by the uncertainty surrounding his death. “The last four years since our Dad’s passing have been incredibly distressing,” they said. “Not knowing the full circumstances has left us in a permanent state of torment, affecting how we remember him and our ability to grieve. This grieving process has been overshadowed by the prolonged criminal investigation.”
They expressed sympathy for all involved, recognizing the trauma experienced by both their family and Barnard’s. “No one truly wins in a tragedy like this,” they said. “We miss our Dad dearly and mourn the precious time lost.”
Gloucestershire Police’s Public Protection Unit initiated the charges in July 2024. Detective Sergeant Bernadette Harding thanked the family for their endurance through the lengthy legal process and acknowledged the complexity of the case. “Mr. Davies deserved safe care, and this was a tragic incident,” she said, commending the investigative team’s efforts.
The case highlights the critical importance of vigilance in care homes and the devastating consequences of medication errors. As the family begins to find some closure, they hope to honor Derek Davies’s memory beyond this painful chapter.