Parents of autistic teenager who died hail ‘milestone' NHS training guidance
The learning disability mortality review (LeDeR) into the death concluded there had been a 'general lack of understanding and acknowledgement of Oliver's autism and how Oliver presented himself when in seizure' and that there had been a 'body of written evidence – alongside verbal requests from Oliver and Oliver's family – not to prescribe' Olanzapine.
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Western Telegraph
16 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Parents of autistic teenager who died hail ‘milestone' NHS training guidance
A report in 2020 found 18-year-old Oliver McGowan's death four years earlier was 'potentially avoidable'. He died at Southmead Hospital in Bristol in November 2016, after being given the anti-psychotic Olanzapine and contracting neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) – a rare side effect of the drug. An independent review later found that the fit and healthy teenager's death was 'potentially avoidable' and his parents Paula and Tom McGowan said their son died 'as a result of the combined ignorance and arrogance of doctors' who treated him. The learning disability mortality review (LeDeR) into the death concluded there had been a 'general lack of understanding and acknowledgement of Oliver's autism and how Oliver presented himself when in seizure' and that there had been a 'body of written evidence – alongside verbal requests from Oliver and Oliver's family – not to prescribe' Olanzapine. After the Olanzapine was administered, Oliver's temperature rose and he showed signs of NMS. The medication was stopped on October 28 and a CT scan two days later showed Oliver had sustained a serious brain injury. He died on November 11. His parents have campaigned since his death for improvements in the system, and on Thursday the Government published new guidance it said will ensure safer, more personalised care for people with a learning disability and autistic people. The teenager, from Emerson's Green, Bristol, had contracted meningitis twice during childhood and lived with epilepsy, learning difficulties and autism as a result. The Government said the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice on statutory learning disability and autism training aims to ensure staff have the right skills in providing care and better understanding of the needs of autistic people and those with learning disabilities. The guidelines for health and care providers to train staff set out the standards expected from care providers to be compliant with the law and help make sure patients are kept safe. Oliver McGowan's death in 2016 was 'potentially avoidable', a review found (PA) Mr and Mrs McGowan said they hope the guidelines will bring 'meaningful change' and have a 'lasting impact'. They said: 'The publication of the code of practice marks a deeply emotional and significant milestone for us and will ensure Oliver's legacy will continue to make a difference by safeguarding people with a learning disability and autistic individuals from the same preventable failings that he tragically endured. 'The code establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the delivery of the training, promoting consistency and a deeper understanding across health and social care services. 'We are profoundly grateful to cross-party politicians for their unwavering support and especially to Baroness Sheila Hollins, whose leadership has been pivotal in advancing this important work. 'Our heartfelt thanks extend to everyone within the NHS and social care sectors, to our expert trainers, and to individuals with a learning disability and/or autism, along with their families and carers. 'This is a true example of what meaningful change looks like, giving a voice to those who are not always seen or heard, creating a lasting impact that will continue to transform lives for the better.' Paying tribute to the McGowans, care minister Stephen Kinnock said they had been behind an 'incredible campaign to improve the care of people with a learning disability and autistic people after the tragic death of their son, Oliver.' He added: 'Through their work, they have shown admirable dedication, commitment and passion – Oliver's memory and legacy lives through them. 'This government recognises the appalling health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people. 'Everyone deserves to receive high-quality, empathetic and dignified care but this cannot be achieved if staff do not have the right training. The Oliver McGowan Code of Practice published today will be a boost for anyone with a learning disability or autistic people, their families and loved ones.' The Government said training will be backed by funding as part of the Learning and Development Support Scheme for adult social care this autumn. Tom Cahill, national director for Learning Disability and Autism at NHS England said: 'We know that often the quality of care and support for people with a learning disability and autistic people has not been good enough and we are determined to make this better. 'This code of practice – a result of Paula and Tom McGowan's tireless dedication – will mean all NHS staff have the training and support they need to reduce inequalities and give people with a learning disability or autistic people the care they deserve.'
Evening Standard
17 hours ago
- Evening Standard
Parents of autistic teenager who died hail ‘milestone' NHS training guidance
The learning disability mortality review (LeDeR) into the death concluded there had been a 'general lack of understanding and acknowledgement of Oliver's autism and how Oliver presented himself when in seizure' and that there had been a 'body of written evidence – alongside verbal requests from Oliver and Oliver's family – not to prescribe' Olanzapine.
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Father made OBE for defibrillator campaign after 12-year-old son's death
The Oliver King Foundation has since given out 7,000 defibrillators, and Mr King's campaigning led to the Government ensuring every state school in England has access to one of the life-saving machines. He said: 'Our Ollie was only with us for 12 years but he never let us down once and this is us not letting his name down.' Mr King, 63, said when he first found out he was to be included in the King's Birthday Honours he thought the letter had gone to the wrong address. He said: 'I'm not one for awards, I just want to march on. I'm just a dad, that's it, I'm a dad. 'But, for an OBE to come through – I was cartwheeling in the garden!' He said Oliver was 'very sporty', 'always had a football under his arm' and was about to sign for Everton, but unknown to the family he had a genetic condition passed down from his father which led to his cardiac arrest. Mr King is working to set up a centre to provide testing for all children to see if they have the gene. He said: 'The morning that he had his cardiac arrest he was swimming. 'If you have this genetic condition that's the worst thing you can do… because when you go in the water, you know that little shock, it's an adrenalin rush, and that can send you into cardiac arrest. 'Unfortunately for us, that happened to our Ol.' The foundation has been supported by figures including former Liverpool footballer Jamie Carragher (Mike Egerton/PA) Since the foundation was set up in 2012, Mr King has personally delivered all the defibrillators to schools, businesses and sporting venues as far north as Stornoway and as far south as Portsmouth. Mr King said 84 lives had been saved with the defibrillators, including a child as young as four. He said: 'When you get the emails through off the parents, I still get the same feeling as though it's the first one. I know it's not a tally but a life has been saved – maybe our Oliver's life would have been saved if someone would have done what we're doing now.' He said the lives had been saved in Oliver's name, adding: 'Not mine, I'm only carrying his torch.' The foundation, which also provides training to use the machines, has received support from former Liverpool footballer Jamie Carragher, as well as politicians including Liverpool Garston MP Maria Eagle, Lord Mike Storey and Lord Stuart Polak. Mr King, of Childwall, Liverpool, said he had dealt with six prime ministers during his time as a campaigner. He said: 'It's like setting a business up – you could fail or you could march on. In this particular case we marched on and got stronger and stronger and stronger. I don't have a reverse gear.' He said he plans to continue his campaign and is calling for a change in the law which would see defibrillators required in all public buildings, in the same way as fire extinguishers.
