THE parents of a man who died at a special needs care home have said their son was let down by staff who fed him a high-risk food despite him having swallowing problems.
Paul Spearing, 41, died on November 15, 2023, three days after a choking incident at Essex Care Consortium in Maldon Road, Birch, Colchester.
In a joint statement after a two-week inquest at Essex Coroner’s Court, Mr Spearing’s parents said: “Paul was a truly special and deeply loved man whose warmth, humour and personality touched everyone around him.
“Paul communicated through his infectious laugh, bright smile and loving nature, bringing joy to our family through his compassion, sense of fun and enthusiasm for life’s simple pleasures.
“We waited a long time for the inquest into Paul’s death, and it has been extremely difficult to hear evidence about what happened to him and about the care he received.
“Paul was let down in the time leading up to his death.
“Paul was entirely dependent upon his care staff to understand his needs, keep him safe and respond appropriately when something went wrong."
Mr Spearing's parents added they hoped staff would learn from the mistakes which led to his death.
They continued: “Paul was given inappropriate and unsuitable food that failed to adhere to his speech and language therapy requirements.
“Hearing the conclusion has reinforced how deeply upsetting it is to think that the support he depended on was not there when he needed it most.
“We hope the evidence heard at the inquest and the jury's findings will lead to reflection and learning.
“Like anyone receiving care, Paul deserved to be safe, understood and properly supported. Lessons must be learned, so that other vulnerable people receive the care and protection they need.
“Paul brought so much love and happiness to our lives and not a day goes by when we do not think about him.
“We will always treasure the memories we shared with Paul and the happiness he brought to our family.”
Family hopes care providers will 'carefully consider the jury’s findings'
THE legal firm which represented the family of a man who died at a special needs residential home has said they want care providers to take “whatever action is necessary” to keep people safe.
Sarah Westoby, human rights solicitor at Leigh Day, also praised Paul Spearing’s family for their “determination to pursue answers” following a two-week inquest into the death of Mr Spearing in November 2023.
He had died three days after choking on a croissant which was fed to him against expert advice.
Mrs Westoby said: “Paul was an extremely vulnerable man who entirely depended on those responsible for his care to recognise and manage the risks he faced every day.
“This inquest has examined the circumstances leading up to Paul's death and the care he received during the final period of his life.
“Throughout that process, Paul’s family have remained focused on understanding what happened to him and on seeking answers to the questions they have carried since his death.
“The family's determination to pursue those answers, despite the pain of revisiting the circumstances of Paul's death, has been unwavering.
“They have engaged with this process in the hope that it would not only provide answers for them but also help identify where improvements may be needed.
“People with learning disabilities and complex care needs often rely entirely on others to keep them safe.
Paul’s family hope that care providers, regulators and other authorities will carefully consider the jury’s findings and take whatever action is necessary to improve protections for those who depend on care services every day.”
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