Families of Nottingham attack victims are demanding transparency and accountability from healthcare providers amid ongoing concerns and controversies.
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The tragic events of June 2023 in Nottingham, where Valdo Calocane killed three individuals and injured three others, have sparked a fierce outcry for accountability and transparency regarding his mental health care. Calocane, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, had a history of violent behavior and was known to have refused critical treatment.
Victim families are now demanding answers, claiming they are facing ‘cover-ups’ and ‘mistruths’ about the healthcare provided to him before the attacks.
The aftermath of violence
In a shocking revelation, a report highlighted that Calocane was not compelled to take long-lasting antipsychotic medication because of his aversion to needles.
This lack of oversight raises serious questions about the effectiveness of mental health services. The families of the victims, including Emma Webber, mother of victim Barnaby Webber, met with Health Secretary Wes Streeting, expressing their frustrations over the handling of Calocane’s care and calling for the names of the healthcare staff involved to be disclosed.
Victims’ families voice their concerns
Appearing on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Webber emphasized the need for truth, stating, “We quite often say, imagine anything that could go wrong, did go wrong.” She further remarked that they would not rest until they receive the answers they seek, highlighting the importance of transparency in preventing future tragedies. The families clarified that their pursuit of accountability should not be misconstrued as a witch hunt but rather a necessary step to ensure public safety.
A struggle for answers
Dr. Sanjoy Kumar, father of victim Grace O’Malley-Kumar, echoed similar sentiments. He lamented the lack of detailed answers regarding the care Calocane received, calling for full transparency. “What we want is true accountability,” he declared, stressing that without accountability, meaningful change remains elusive. The families argue that the systemic failures in mental health care must be addressed to avoid repeating such tragedies.
Failures in mental health care
Calocane, who had a troubling history with mental health services, was sectioned under the Mental Health Act multiple times before being discharged months before the attacks. Reports have pointed to significant failings in his care, yet none have held practitioners accountable. This leads to a chilling question: how can a system fail so profoundly without consequences?
Memorial and remembrance
As the second anniversary of the attack approaches, the families are planning a memorial walk through Nottingham to honor their loved ones. They intend to gather at St Paul’s Church before proceeding to the locations of the attacks. Webber described her emotional return to the city, saying it feels as if the tragedy happened just yesterday and emphasizing the importance of community support during this time.
Institutional responses
In response to the ongoing inquiry, Ifti Majid, chief executive of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, stated their commitment to cooperate fully with the investigation. Meanwhile, a government spokesperson expressed condolences to the affected families, affirming that necessary reforms in mental health services are being implemented to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. Yet, will these promises translate into real change?
As the families continue to seek the truth, one thing remains clear: they will not back down. The fight for accountability in the aftermath of tragedy is not just about seeking justice for their loved ones; it’s about ensuring that future lives are not lost due to systemic failures. The quest for answers continues, leaving many wondering how far the inquiry will go in addressing these critical issues.
