HOSPITAL WORKER DEBBIE JONES IN COURT AFTER SLAPPING A DYING, BLIND MAN
Jones, of Reinwood Road in Lindley, pleaded guilty to assault at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on a basis that she slapped Mr Farrington twice.The grandfather was admitted into the hospital’s A&E department on October 2 last year.
His diabetes had previously been managed with the help of his wife who he had been with for 50 years.
But in the later stages of his life his condition became difficult to control and his family made the decision to admit him into the care of staff at the Lindley hospital.
There it became clear very quickly that Mr Farrington, whose left leg was amputated below the knee, was extremely ill.
He was moved into a private room to be cared for in the final stages of his life but remained in an agitated state.
His family were then met by a matron who told them that he had been assaulted by 42-year-old Jones.
The court heard that distressed Mr Farrington had lashed out as she tried to insert a cannula into his nose to give him oxygen.
Jones reacted by slapping him twice in his torso.
Mr Farrington’s grieving family spoke of their distress over his treatment in a statement read out by prosecutor Vanessa Jones.
His daughter Louise Drake said: "When his condition deteriorated in the last days of his life he was in extreme pain and distress and very frightened.
"He insisted on checking our jewellery and rings before he would let us embrace him - this was not normal behaviour.
"He remained in an agitated state which was out of character as he was a confident and social man.
"As a family we did our best but remain appalled by the lack of care and failure to provide dignity for my father.
"This was barbaric care by the offender, my father was confused and distressed.
"We felt unable to protect him as he has protected us throughout our life." Other family members described how the incident had left them fearful of the medical profession and hospitals.
Mrs Jones added: "There was greater harm (in the case) because he was vulnerable.
His blindness meant that he couldn’t see who was assaulting him and his fear would have been greater." She is currently suspended pending an investigation into the matter but Mr Farrington’s family said she should be removed from her agency’s books.
She claimed she “pushed down” on Mr Farrington to try and protect the student when he lashed out.
But District Judge Adrian Lower told her: “In view of the capacity in which you were caring for him you should have shown greater restraint.” He sentenced her to a community order with 140 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitative activities.
Jones also has to pay £200 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
Julie Dawes, Hospital trust Director of Nursing, said: "We are really sorry for what happened.
This falls well below our standards.
We will always take reports like this very, very seriously and will always take the appropriate action."
