Letters to the Editor - Why we need an inquiry

Published: 15 April, 2010

• HAVING read the statement from Camden Council’s director of housing, Jim Wintour (New Journal, April 8) I am even more convinced of the need for an independent inquiry into the care provided, or perhaps rather not provided, to Jennyfer “Alex” Spencer.
I found his statement not only uncaring but alarming. The general tone was one of victim-blaming and departmental washing their hands of a vulnerable person. I have an adult daughter who has severe care needs and fear for her future, especially if I am no longer able to act on her behalf. If this is what she can expect it is a real worry. Where is the duty of care everyone who lives in the borough should be getting?
I say this because I have to fight every inch in order to get the service that one would expect to receive if you are vulnerable or have a disability. It is very hard work to keep having to fight for what I see as my daughter’s right and everybody else’s right in the same or similar situation.
I often wonder if I am unable to fight on her behalf, what will become of her.
Thank you for telling us Jennyfer’s story. I am just sorry that it had to be like this.
My sympathy and thoughts go to her family and friends and I hope that at a time like this the council can show a little compassion and hold an inquiry so that we can all learn what went wrong and make sure this never happens to another resident.
Mr Wintour’s statement is full of assertions but no evidence. He states, for example, that Jennyfer was “not felt to be appropriate for statutory intervention” yet says she failed to attend two mental health assessment appointments.
How did he know this?
Taking into account her health and disabilities, why did she have to go to an office to be assessed. Why did the officers not go to her?
What was the reason for her non-attendance?
Was it that the lifts in her block were not working on those days? What assistance was given to help Jennyfer to use her benefits to purchase the care they were meant for?
An option should have been adult social care putting carers in place for her.
Why was no more help given? Just because somebody could not manage the method of payment system, did not give the council the right to take away all benefits. Why did this happen?
As Mr Wintour says “it is right that questions are asked”. However, they need answering by an independent inquiry. I am sure the council “will want to learn from this tragedy”.
Alas Jennyfer cannot as she is dead. The only way lessons can be learned is for there to be an independent and thorough inquiry.
Assertions from the staff who were responsible for providing her care cannot be allowed to be the only source of the answers. Mr Wintour alleges the New Journal’s reporting was “misleading and sensationalist”.
For the reputation of his department surely he should welcome an inquiry.
LARRAINE REVAH
Aspern Grove, NW3