Belfast man Gareth Waterworth (37) remains without a care package a year after the High Court identified a “deficiency” in his care and treatment.
Mr Waterworth, who lives with a traumatic brain injury, is cared for by his only remaining relative, his uncle Paul Herbert (60).
On May 10, 2023, the High Court directed the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) to investigate the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s handling of Mr Waterworth’s case.
Speaking to the Irish News, Mr Herbert said the Trust had failed to provide his nephew with a care package for almost eight years, forcing him to take a judicial review.
Mr Herbert added: “I am still waiting on the outcome of the RQIA inquiry ordered by the High Court. A year on, I have no idea what has happened, what is happening, and what the timeline is for the matter to be brought to a conclusion.
“As his only remaining relative and sole carer, I am frustrated and exhausted by this whole situation.
“(The) situation is so dire, in 2020, John Finucane MP called on Health Minister Robin Swann to deal with “‘unacceptable failings’ in Gareth’s care by the community mental health (CMH) team of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT),” said Mr Herbert.
Following an emergency intervention by Antrim Area Hospital at Easter, Gareth Waterworth is currently in 24-hour care in a County Antrim care home, which requires his medical records.
Paul Herbert said: “I have now found Gareth’s medical records have gone missing.
“On top of everything else today, I have to attempt to obtain Gareth’s medical history, as NHSCT has failed to provide it, despite being asked to do so three weeks ago.”
Mr Herbert called on Minister Robin Swann to intervene in his nephew’s case “before matters deteriorate further”.
He added: “No one’s child should be subject to this.”
“Ironically, Gareth is the vulnerable son of a lady who served her community with distinction as a nurse for more than 30 years.”
Laura Morrison, organiser with the human rights group, Participation and the Practice of Rights (PPR), is supporting Mr Herbert.
“The NHSCT, RQIA, and the Health Department, have all failed in their legal duties towards this extremely vulnerable, brain damaged young man, despite a High Court ruling on this matter,” she said.
“The consequences for Gareth, of leaving him without a care package for more than seven years, and also for Paul, as his sole carer, are extremely grave.”
A spokesperson for RQIA told The Irish News: “RQIA is currently making inquiry into Mr Waterworth’s care and treatment.
“As part of this RQIA has been in touch with his family and their legal advisers, and with the Northern HSC Trust. As this inquiry process is underway, it is not appropriate to make any further comment at this stage.”
A spokesperson for NHSCT said: “As there is currently a RQIA inquiry underway, it would not be appropriate to comment at this time.”
